Inside a giant black church that rose high into the blue sky like a giant spike, a heavyset priest in thick, dark robes sat at a table across from Agnes Richter, Hanz, and Max.

“I have heard your story and it truly stirs my heart with compassion.” The priest shook his head and scratched at the unkempt beard that was spilling from his chin onto his chest. “I will tell you this right away: the Jews that live here are not easy to convert. For some strange reason they are happy with their foolish existence and do not have any interest in talking with us about Christianity.”

“So don’t talk to him! Take him forcibly and once he’s away from those Jews he will see the truth.” Agnes’s expression was terrifying. “I saw his face when he was talking with us. He’s completely brainwashed. He needs the ideas of the Jewish people to be beaten out of him!”

“Mother!” Max also stood up and he faced his mother with a concerned expression. “Let’s not take this too far!”

“Your mother’s right, Max.” Hanz withdrew the club at his side and stroked it fondly. “I’ve seen many people reconsider foolish ideas after experiencing some pain....”

“There are many ways to convince others to follow our faith.” The priest smiled, revealing two rows of black, rotting teeth. “Pain is one way and insistent convincing is another way. Let’s do both.”

Several men dressed in black and holding clubs identical to the one Hanz held, entered the room and stood at attention.

The priest’s eyes glittered with excitement.

“Let’s start with pain.”

*********

In the dead of night Meir was awoken by the sounds of clubs clobbering the front door of the house. Amid the screams of his family and their desperate pleas, he was hauled away by his feet from the house. He was dragged through the streets until they came upon a large church at the edge of the city.

“Sleep tight, boy.” Hanz shoved Meir into a tiny cell deep within the bowels of the church and slammed the metal door shut. “Tomorrow I’m returning after a full night’s sleep and I’m going to introduce you to my club. If you’re smart you’ll submit to the church, kiss our cross, and agree to embrace our religion. It will save you from a world of pain.”

********

The next morning Max entered the cell and found Meir curled up in a corner.

“Brother, please listen to me. I’ve convinced Hanz not to start this process with beating you. I told them you would listen to me if I explain the beautiful life that awaits you if you come back to us and accept the true religion.”

“Never.”

“You are a prince destined for greatness, like I am.”

“I am a prince of Hashem’s nation. I have chosen to live like a Jew and I will happily die a Jew if I must.”

“You are missing out on so much pleasure!”

“Ha! All of your pleasure will fade into the grave with you when you die, but my enjoyment is one that lasts forever! This is one of the gifts of mitzvos and learning Torah, they reap eternal rewards!”

Max left the cell in disgust.

(Excerpted from Mishpacha Jr., Issue 745)