“She needed a makeover desperately,” Liora said shortly. Her face clouded over. “Now if only my insides would match her outsides”

T here were just two of us left in the women’s section in shul that hot Yom Kippur afternoon between Mussaf and Minchah. My mother and sisters had gone home for a nap but I’d opted to remain behind rather than brave the 15-minute walk in the burning sun.

She was tall a couple of years older than I was a well-dressed girl. She had an uncomfortable expression on her face instead of the self-assured one I imagined was usually there. I wondered why. Under normal circumstances I never would have had the nerve to approach her I’m shy but it was Yom Kippur we were all equal before Hashem and I wanted to help. Without stopping to reconsider I approached her.

“You look exhausted. Is the fast hard for you?”

She looked startled. I felt like a fool. “Anyway so feel um good ” I stammered backing away when she said ” No it’s fine. Thanks for coming over to talk. I don’t mind the fast. I was just thinking.”

“Nothing good ” I blurted.

She smiled sadly. “Not at all.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” I offered steeling myself for the rebuff that was sure to follow.

“You don’t mind listening?” She peered at me hopefully.

“I’m a good listener. Everyone says so. By the way my name’s Rivi.” I fluffed my short curly brown hair self-consciously and smoothed my skirt. This girl was the type who made me wish I were more put together.

“I’m Liora. Did you happen to notice the little kid who sat next to me during Shacharis?”

“Sure. She’s your sister right? She looks a lot like you.”

Liora looked pleased. “She does?”

“Sisters often do resemble each other ” I pointed out.

She nodded. “Well that’s certainly encouraging to hear. In our case you’re the first person who’s ever told me that. Good. I’m on the right track then.”

I looked at her inquiringly.

“I’ve been working on her ” Liora explained. “Combing her hair choosing her clothing stuff like that.”

“That’s nice of you.”

“She needed a makeover desperately ” Liora said shortly. Her face clouded over. “Now if only my insides would match her outsides.”

I must have looked as perplexed as I felt.

“Listen Rivi. Her name’s Ahava. Not Ahuva get it? She was born right after Tisha B’Av so my parents named her for Ahavas Chinam.”

“Wow that’s original ” I commented impressed.

“Is it? It’s unusual anyhow. Personally I prefer to blend in ” Liora said. “Don’t you?” Without waiting for me to answer she continued.

“Ahava started first grade when I was an eighth grader and it wasn’t easy. Now I had to be a big sister in school as if I didn’t get enough of that at home! She wasn’t a cute cuddly little kid either someone I could show off to my friends. Going from Pre-1A to first grade was a big adjustment for her and it didn’t bring out the best in her or in me. ‘Be there for her ’ my mother urged the night before school started.

“I couldn’t be there for her okay? You know why? My little sister was a threat.” Liora frowned. “What my mother wanted was impossible!”