The Tzaddik clutches Leibel’s hand. “Especially the daughter, Leibel. We can help her more in Eretz Yisrael. Your family, maybe, could help them?”
“Not everyone will be making the trip to Vilnius. Only the higher grades will be singing in the main choir”
“Nu, b’emes… what’s there to moichel? You can only do what you’re told. The Tzaddik knows what he’s doing”
The lady gives a great big guffaw. “Is that the best you can do? My Lukas was nigh near ready to get the gun with your dawdling
“Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned! I cannot eat. I cannot rest. I cannot breathe. So gravely have I sinned...”
Will Motina sign? She’s been so odd and distant lately. She won’t like me going to Vilnius if we win — not if it means her being left alone
Leah straightens her back and lets the fabric slacken. “Ah, the Rebbe.” Her tone softens. “Der Tzaddik hot gezogt. Do I know better than the Tzaddik?”
“Look, Morta. I don’t know what your problem is, but you’re poking up the wrong chimney. I have no money. None at all”