“Rabbi Ganz says I have to go. He said he won’t let me chicken out of everything”

The following day, Yanky came down with fever. He spent two days shivering in bed, but by the third, he was able to sit up without feeling faint and nibble on a cracker.

Canoeing was on that day’s itinerary, and Yanky had no intention of missing it. He dragged himself out of bed in time for Shacharis, hoping that his wan appearance might somehow go unnoticed. It didn’t. Rabbi Ganz took one look at him and sent him back to bed.

In his room, Yanky watched Danny pack a small backpack with the items needed for the expedition.

“Well at least I don’t have to spend the day in a canoe with Zvi Leader,” he said irritably.

“True,” said Danny. “I can’t say I’m looking forward to it.”

“Can you paddle?” asked Yanky.

“I’ve only been rowing once,” replied Danny.

“I bet Zvi can’t,” said Yanky. “Some fun you’re going to have.”

It couldn’t get much worse, thought Danny. But as Danny soon found out, it could. Rabbi Shine had insisted there must be three to a boat; two older boys together with a younger one. Danny watched warily as Rabbi Ganz organized the boys into groups. He couldn’t believe it! Did Rabbi Ganz seriously think that Zvi Leader, Yitz Green, and Danny Halpern could sit in a canoe together without any collateral damage?

To make matters worse, Zvi began his usual grumbling.

“I’m not going with Yitz Green,” he said.

“Stay behind then,” said Danny.

“Rabbi Ganz says I have to go. He said he won’t let me chicken out of everything.”