Some were bleary-eyed and half asleep, but all the guys who’d completed the monthlong Friday learning program were there. It was really happening

“Okay, guys, everyone ready? The bus is waiting outside. Just remember to keep quiet, it’s four o’clock in the morning. Don’t want to make problems with the neighbors, right?”

Benny counted under his breath. All thirty-three guys were in the dining room. He hitched his backpack higher on his back and grabbed the guitar case he’d carefully propped in the corner. He counted again as the guys left the building: thirty-two, thirty-three. Some were bleary-eyed and half asleep, but all the guys who’d completed the monthlong Friday learning program were there. It was really happening.

“Atah Tomer, nachon? Ani Benny, dibarnu ba’telefon,” he greeted the tanned man sitting behind the wheel, drinking coffee.

“Ah, Benny, good to meet you,” the driver answered.

“Nice English!” Benny said, impressed. “Where did you learn?”

Tomer winked. “I watch a lot of TV.”

Benny nodded. “Great. We’re just about ready to leave. Do you have a microphone, so I can talk to the guys?”

“At your service, sir.” Tomer handed Benny a mike.

“Thanks,” Benny said, then turned to face the guys. “Okay, everyone, good morning! This is our driver Tomer, and he’s ready to start, so let’s sit down. I’m passing out some pekelach for the way, enjoy. Our first stop is Shacharis and breakfast in Meron. Whoever’s still tired, we have a long drive to Meron, this is your chance to sleep. Grab it now, because we have a lot planned!”

One of the guys whooped. Some of the others clapped weakly. Benny returned the mike to Tomer. “Let’s go,” he said.