Weekly Story: The Promise Part 3

by Rabbi Sholom DovBer Avtzon

Recap Moshe Levy felt that he had to take his father’s place at least when it concerned his brother’s. While this was admirable, it was also self-serving, demonstrating that he is important. It also overwhelmed him, and his marks began to falter, but after his bar mitzvah he got back on track. However, after Pesach he threw himself into the baseball games and once again it affected his learning.

As always, your comments and feedback is greatly appreciated

Chapter 11 Another Summer in The Park

The summer began as planned. Although Moshe was not saying kaddish, he still made sure to daven with the minyan. He would then come home, eat breakfast and take his brothers to camp. He would then stock the shelves in Mitelman’s grocery for around two hours, come home to eat lunch and go to the park.
This year, as soon as the other boys saw him coming, they ran over and asked him if he was willing to be a regular player. Sure, Moshe happily replied, just as you guys remember I must leave by three fifteen to pick up my brothers from camp.

The boys discussed it among themselves for a few minutes and then came back and said, “That is no problem, we will begin the game at eleven-thirty, an half hour earlier and the problem is solved.”

Moshe thanked them, saying that is so considerate of you, just give me five minutes to bring my own mitt. Racing home on his bicycle Moshe was thinking these boys are great and playing and being part of the game is much more fun than being the lone spectator. As soon as he came back practice began, each boy hit the ball five times as well as catching the ball and throwing it to another player. Then the captains began choosing their teammates/players.

Moshe was thrilled when he was the fourth player picked by his captain. He then went to pick up his brothers, saying this is going to be a great summer. He would play with his brothers until their mother came home and after eating dinner, he went to shul and learned with Gavriel for an hour until the minyan began to daven. After davening he went home, and everything was great. The summer passed by quickly and not only was Moshe happy, but his teammates were thrilled. He was much better than they thought and because of his clutch hitting, they were in first place.

But Moshes happiness was not just that he was enjoying the game. He felt he was making a kiddush Hashem. Almost all of the other boys with whom he was playing were Jewish and they began asking him questions about Judaism.

The first question came up on Friday when he informed them that he won’t be able to play tomorrow as it is Shabbos. While most of them knew about Shabbos, as their mother or grandmother lit the candles and some of their fathers said Kiddush, they didn’t know that you weren’t allowed to carry anything outside. So Moshe explained to them the guidelines of Shabbos and mentioned that it includes not talking on the phone, or turning on appliances, cooking and buying.

This was new to them and while he didn’t convince them to become more observant, they said we respect you for such commitment. They then asked him what does he whisper before and after he eats and he explained to them the reason we say those blessings. There were a few boys that were curious and sometimes had long conversations with Moshe and he felt good that he was able to answer them and hopefully they will come closer to Yiddishkeit.

The Sunday before school was to begin, they were playing for the championship and a lot of the family members were there cheering them on. Some of Moshes classmates happened to be walking by and heard the boys chanting “Let’s go Moshe”. They went over to the fence and were shocked to see that their friend Moshe was at bat. He then hit a double and his team scored a run and they all jumped up in joy and ran to congratulate him. Moshe was smiling and happy.

That evening at Mancha one of his classmates came over to him and said, I don’t think it is a good idea to be friends with boys from public school, even if they are Jewish.

This stung Moshe and he angrily replied, “You are jealous that I was playing, and I am probably better than you.” He then added, they are decent boys who although are not religious, respect our traditions.
Going home this comment really bothered him and he thought, some of those boys are more decent and better friends than some of my classmates.

Chapter 12 Falling Behind

The new year began, and Moshe was eager to do well. Mommy was so proud when I aced the contest last year, he said. He arranged with Gavriel to learn together this year as well and

everything was going well, especially as he liked his new melamed Rabbi Baum The only problem was something that all his classmates were complaining about, that school began for the eighth grade an hour earlier. While they were upset about having to get up earlier, that didn’t bother him, as he was used to it. He was fearful that being that he wouldn’t be taking his brothers to school, they were going to feel that they no longer need him. He is going to lose his importance. But they still will need me to help them with their homework, he consoled himself.

The year started off wonderful, Moshe’s father had already introduced him to the concept that Rashi and Tosofos sometimes take a different approach to explaining the gemorah and he truly enjoyed the mental debate of which opinion he is inclined to understand better. He was learning with Gavriel two evenings a week, and both his brothers clamored to do their homework with him.

After Tishrei Moshe informed his mother that the person who taught Gavriel how to read the Torah and haftara for his bar mitzvah, offered to teach it to him one evening a week, and Gavriel would review it with him after they learn the other evening. The only backside to this was that he would only be reviewing with Gavriel the gemorah they learned one evening a week. But he reassured his mother that he will continue to do well in class. Tatty used to lein the Torah in shul and I want to do it also.

His mother was happy that Moshe wanted to lein, but she was fearful that it might once again cause him to fall behind. But on the other hand, he wants to lein and make his father proud. To prevent that, will definitely create negative consequences, so she said as long as you make sure to learn with Gavriel once a week and when necessary, you give a quick review during your recess I give permission. She then called up that person and made the necessary arrangements. “Yes mother, thank you so much” said Moshe and he happily went to help his brothers with their work.

While his mother’s job covered the family’s expenses Moshe continued to stock the shelves twice a week by Mittelmans. With the money he received he was able to buy something special for the family on Shabbos and his brothers were always so excited.

But sometimes during class Moshe’s mind began wandering and he would be humming to himself the tune of the taamim (connotations) on the Torah. Yes, it was only for a few minutes,

but it was enough that he lost the train of thought and when he stopped and tried to pay attention he realized that didn’t clearly understand what was being taught. The first few times this happened he went to Gavriel during recess and Gavriel explained it to him. But then Gavriel was sick for a few days and he had no one to help him, so that week was the first time that year his test mark was under a eighty. Moshe felt bad, and promised himself that next week would be better. While Gavriel was better, he told Moshe that for the next two weeks he couldn’t study with him in the evening. But they learned during a few recesses and Moshe scored around a eighty-five on each test. Not great or what he wanted but that was good enough he thought.

But as the year continued and his struggle to understand the class on his own increased so did his effort to concentrate, saying Gavriel will explain it to me. Once again, his marks began to fall to under an eighty.
When he brought home his report card with a B-, his mother wasn’t thrilled, and this also bothered him. He promised her that he would do better next time especially as his bar mitzvah is only in a few weeks and he would be able to resume learning with Gavriel twice a week. He did try harder and his marks indeed improved a little bit and his mother was truly hoping that after the bar mitzvah it would, she said, when he is no longer thinking about leining he would be completely focused on his class studies. She heard from other mothers that the same thing happened with their sons.

The bar mitzvah was simple but joyous. Rabbi Schmid reminded Moshe of the tremendous nachas he is to his mother as well as to his departed father. He encouraged him to continue in his wonderful ways, especially as now he is happily accepting upon himself the responsibility to conduct himself in the path that his father went. He then noted how when he would bring some clothing to Rabbi Levy to mend late at night, he often saw him learning. Learning is not only when you are in class or reviewing what you learn in class, but it is our life. Just as food nurtures a body, learning nurtures the neshoma.

Moshe took these words to heart. If his father learned at night after all the children were sleeping, he too would put more effort into his learning. Indeed, after the bar mitzvah there was a new Moshe. He was concentrating much better and would raise his hand to ask Rabbi Baum to clarify something or to answer a question and his grades improved. Once again, he was receiving on his tests a 90 or higher, and his mother breathed a sigh of relief. Moshe is back to himself; it will be good.

Chapter 13 Bar Mitzvahd

For Pesach, being that Moshe was now bar mitzvah and his grandparents weren’t able to travel this year, Moshe led the seder. He felt so proud with his own seder plate and answering his younger brother’s questions. Mrs. Levy was beaming with happiness. Yes, everyone was looking at Rabbi Levy’s empty seat, but Rabbi Levy was definitely smiling in heaven.

After Pesach, when some of his classmates announced that they are beginning to play in the park, Moshe once again was one of the many boys that signed up. As usual, each boy was given five pitches to hit and demonstrate their batting skills, and everyone was astounded at Moshe’s ability in hitting the ball as well as in fielding. He was chosen as one of the captains.

Rabbi Schmid, remembering last year’s success, tried to repeat it with a new contest this year. While some of the boys announced that they could only participate in the game one day a week, being captain, Moshe felt that he had to be there both days. Furthermore, wanting, that his team should win the championship, he would often meet a few of his teammates on another day and practice with them, so that they can improve their skills.

This definitely helped his team become one of the better teams, but it began affecting his learning in class. The day after a disappointing loss, Moshe’s mind was wandering, thinking how he should shuffle the line-up to make it stronger and similar thoughts. He was so caught up in his thoughts, that he didn’t hear, Rabbi Baum asking him a question.

After asking him the question a second time and once again being ignored, Rabbi Baum became upset and said loudly, Moshe Levy, you will be staying here for your recess.

Hearing his name being said in a loud tone, which expressed disappointment and then hearing his punishment, Moshe was baffled. He wasn’t disrespectful, he didn’t think he did anything wrong, and he combatively asked, WHY?

We will explain that at recess, was Rabbi Baum reply and Moshe was fuming. Why is Rebbe picking on me, he muttered to himself. He was so upset that he refused to look inside and when he was asked for the place, he didn’t know it.

This not only embarrassed him but agitated him further. Rebbe knew that I wasn’t following inside because he took away my recess for no reason and now, he is continuing to pick on me to humiliate me! That is not fair. Maybe I am not the best student, but I will be the best captain and I will show everyone that my team is going to win the championship!

Recess time arrived and everyone ran outside, but Moshe had to remain. Rabbi Baum tried to begin the conversation calmy, asking Moshe do you know why I instructed you to remain here? No, was the reply.
I asked you a question two times and you were somewhere else, but I didn’t want to ask you in front of all of your classmates if everything is alright, so I am asking it after they all left the room. During the month after your bar mitzvah until the pesach break, you were so attentive, so I wanted to make sure that, that Moshe continues to shine.

If you meant to help me why did you then embarrass me and ask me for the place Moshe replied angrily. You knew I didn’t have him, but you were picking on me.

Rabbi Baum realized that Moshe was hurt and he tried to calm him down and said, Normally when a boy doesn’t have the place I reprimand him and sometimes even give him an assignment, but I didn’t even reprimand you. I was hoping to get you back into the classroom and stop your mind from wandering.
Moshe knew that what his Rebbe said was true, but he was too roiled up to admit it, so all he said is I must have been thinking about something and didn’t hear you.

Realizing that Moshe doesn’t want to say anything and understanding that presently he is full of anger, Rabbi Baum told him he can go to recess.

His classmates were shocked that he had joined them just a few minutes after they were dismissed. Rebbe really likes you, some of them said, when Yoni and Simcha didn’t answer when Rebbe called on them, they lost recess for a few days and you lost only two minutes. Moshe remembered when those two boys were punished and he realized that he indeed got off with a very light reprimand, if you can call it that. But, nevertheless, he remained angry, Rebbe didn’t have to do that to me, he said to himself.

The next day, although he followed inside, he didn’t understand what was being taught. Gavriel realized immediately that he was struggling and during recess he asked him if he wanted to learn that evening.
Gavriel, thank you so much. I would really like to, but I can’t. I am the captain of the team, and we are playing tonight. I can’t let down my teammates.

Everything became clear, that is everything besides the solution, if Moshe is taking being captain so seriously, it is really going to distract him from the class. If only I could help him.

On the next test Moshe got a 75 and then a 68. Rabbi Baum called his mother and informed her of the situation, that Moshe is evidently tuning out and if she could talk to him. I tried, he explained, but it had a negative response. Ever since I asked him if everything is ok, he stopped trying.

That evening, Mrs. Levy waited for her younger boys to go to sleep and then after thanking Moshe for helping his brothers, she calmly asked him how his class studies were going.

For a moment Moshe was afraid that his mother was informed about his dismal marks. But since she didn’t sound alarmed, he was hoping that she didn’t, and he didn’t want to disappoint her. So he replied nonchalantly it’s OK.

Moshe, I don’t know if you remember but Tatty of blessed memory used to say if good is good but better is still better.

“Yes” Mommy, Moshe said, “next week will be better.”

Saying good night, Mrs. Levy hugged him and said “Moshe we are so proud of you.” She smiled as Moshe went to his room, realizing that her sensitive son didn’t know that she was aware of his marks and so he wouldn’t be in an upset mood and hopefully next week would indeed be better. Moshe woke up fifteen minutes earlier than usual and he went to the yeshiva. When he arrived only a few boys were there and one of them was Gavriel. Going over to him Moshe asked him if he could explain yesterday’s class. And for the next five minutes Gavriel explained the basic concepts that they learned.

That day Moshe paid attention and he realized that when you are participating, it wasn’t that difficult, so he resolved to keep it up. His work paid off as his mark on the next test was a 90. Rabbi Baum praised him which made him feel important and his mother was beaming when he smiling told her, Mother better is still better.

The next day after his brothers went to sleep, Mrs. Levy called him over and said, Moshe I arranged for you to go to the same camp as three of your friends are going to. Your brothers went to Yeshiva on their own this year and I know you will enjoy a camp experience.

Moshe didn’t know what to say. The truth is he would enjoy it and he did want to be with his friends. However, he was thinking that if he works this summer, he would be able to buy himself a new bicycle. His old one was becoming small for him, and he didn’t want to ask his mother to pay for a new one. Not knowing what to say, he replied I will talk with them tomorrow at recess.

While the other boys were jubilant that they were going and tried to convince him to join them, Moshe wasn’t sure. Yes, he most probably would have had a wonderful experience but there were things that other boys had, and he desired them, but he knew his mother couldn’t afford it. Also, he was afraid that if he went away for a few weeks his brothers would feel that they no longer needed him. After mulling over it for a few days, he told his mother he isn’t interested. She tried to convince him and suspecting that it was because he wanted to earn some money, she asked the director if he had an open position that Moshe could fulfill and earn some money.

Being that he remembered Rabbi Levy he agreed, but Moshe refused the offer. His fear of losing his importance in his brothers’ eyes was too powerful. As much as his mother tried to convince and bribe him, he refused to go.

The final few weeks of school went quite smoothly and by their graduation Moshe received a few certificates and now came the ten long summer weeks.

Chapter 14 Another Summer In The Park

The summer began with the same schedule as last summer. After davening when he offered to take his brothers to camp they were thrilled and Moshe was happy about that. He then stocked the shelves or made a few deliveries for Mr. Mittleman, went home to eat something and was in the park by twelve. The only change was that he would chat with his teammates after the game and his brothers walked home with their friends and sometimes on their own.

Sometimes their conversation was asking Moshe about Jewish customs and observance and then Moshe was elated thinking he is doing a wonderful thing and Tatty would be proud of me. But other times, they spoke about the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Yankees or other topics.

During one conversation three of the boys excused themselves for a few minutes and returned with two bottles of soda, cups and two bags of apples. When they came back, they were laughing.

Joe began talking, I went into the store with Sammy, and I picked up this bottle of soda. I went to the counter to pay for it and at that time Jack picked up the bags of apples that were outside and began running off with it. The storekeeper began chasing him and at that time Sammy took another bottle of soda. So, we got all this for fifty cents. Ha Ha.

Some of the boys joined in the laughter but not Moshe, it bothered him. So, when he was offered a cup and an apple he said no thanks. The boys were surprised and said we thought this is kosher.

Apples are kosher and those bottles are kosher, he replied, but I am not in the mood for them. As you see I have my own bottle of water and a snack.

A few minutes later the boys began to disperse, and Moshe walked home. Maybe I shouldn’t play with these boys. They are thieves and it is disgusting. But on the other hand, I would be so so bored if I didn’t play. I just don’t know what to do.

He agonized over it the entire night and it bothered him so much that he woke up with a cramp in his stomach and he informed them that he wasn’t feeling well.

He remained at home that day and the next day even though he was feeling better, but then he was so bored, he felt as if he was going out of his mind. Maybe I should have gone away to camp he thought, but you can’t turn the clock backwards, it is too late.

Maybe if I continue playing with them, I can influence them to conduct themselves properly, Moshe convinced himself. That is a possibility but at the same time they might become upset with you, you must be wise about how you do it.

Towards the end of the next game, it began to rain and every one ran home.

After the next game Joe asked who wanted to help me this time and two other boys replied I will. Moshe wanted to protest and say it was wrong, but he didn’t have the courage to do so. I will say something next time. Picking himself up he said I got to go see you all Sunday.

Sunday after the game Micky started to talk. Guys, my friends told me some great news. They said that the ticket collectors at dodger stadium go away from the booth in middle of the fourth inning and leave the gates open and anyone can walk in. I suppose they hope that the person would buy their expensive popcorn and soda instead of bringing their own. I would bring my sixteen-ounce bottle that costs a nickel instead of spending a dime on a twelve-ounce cup of soda that is full of ice cubes.

Now tomorrow the Dodgers are playing a day game. If we leave here at two, we will be there before three and we will only have to wait a few minutes to enter and watch them play. Who wants to go?
Most of the boys shouted that’s great I am going. Some boys, Moshe included, said I have to ask, and two boys disappointingly said, we have an appointment so we can’t join.

Guys, unless you want to waste your money make sure you have some cold bottles and snacks because we are all going to sit in the upper bleachers where it gets really hot. Be here by one forty-five.

Mrs. Levy gave Moshe permission, and he prepared two cold bottles and a few snacks. Tomorrow was going to be a great day. This is the first time he is going to see a real baseball game.

All the boys were excited and some of them even came with their gloves, saying maybe we would catch a homerun. Just in case someone was late Mike. made sure to wait until ten minutes after two, and they all walked to the bus stop.

Moshe took a nickel out of his pocket and hopped onto the bus with some of the other boys, but he was shocked to see that some of them entered through the back door without paying. That is not proper he muttered to himself and sat down.

Sure enough after waiting only five minutes the gate workers left the doors open and the boys with some other individuals walked in. Moshe said to himself this is not wrong because the workers allowed us in.
The game went on for another two hours. While no one caught the homerun ball, they all had a great time. At the end of the game Mike advised them to wait another ten minutes, let the crowd leave and this way we won’t be split up by mistake.

When they got to the bus Moshe put his hand into his pocket, but to his horror his second nickel was gone. He must have dropped it. But how was he supposed to get on the bus. He asked a few of his friends if he could borrow a nickel but they didn’t have an extra one. When he asked Mike, Mike replied, “You will do like everyone else does and go on the bus from the back door. You are not stealing as the bus is going anyways. If you refuse you can walk the four miles home by yourself.”

Moshe looked at the line for the bus which was so long, and he noticed that a lot of people entered from the back door without paying. None of his friends had an extra nickel and he didn’t know the way home so he figured he had no choice but to sneak onto the bus with the others.

The difference was that he felt sick to his stomach while the other boys were proud of themselves. Once again Moshe was wondering if he made a mistake not going away to camp. Yes he had no choice, but what he did was wrong. However, seeing that the other boys had no problem doing that he realized that it was useless to try to convince them that it is wrong.

Furthermore, he was afraid that if he expresses his opinion one more time the other boys would tell him, you don’t like what we are doing, we don’t want you to play with us! What will he do then? It is better if I keep my thoughts to myself. Perhaps I will just mention it quietly to the few boys who said they understood me, even though they didn’t exactly agree with me.

A few days later Joe said Moshe, “You want to come with me?”

Understanding what he meant and that he had to say something, Moshe realized that he must express himself, so he replied No, I don’t think it is proper. What would you say if someone shoplifts from your father’s store? I don’t think you would think it is cool.

No, I won’t replied Joe. But my father expects it to happen, and he doesn’t get too excited or upset about it when it does happen. He once told me, just like I pay rent, salaries, and other bills, I also have to consider that some food will become spoiled and some items would be taken.

That is how business is.

Yes, it happens but I don’t think we should do it Moshe said. Moshe was disappointed when only three boys said he has a point, while the other boys were either quiet or sided with Sammy During one game the seams on the ball unraveled and the boys took out their spare ball. Towards the end of the game one of the boys whammed the ball so hard that it turned into an egg ball and the game came to an end.

We will have to buy a few more balls, Phil said. There is a store close to my house so I will pick it up today and everyone bring a nickel tomorrow to repay me.

At that moment Joey said, there is a store close to me and I will pick up a few balls and it won’t cost anyone anything. Just I need a few of you to come to the store with me.

Moshe was shocked that most of the boys were willing to participate in this theft, especially as some of the others who weren’t eager to participate in this theft said they couldn’t only because they live on the other side of town. He realized that they were raised differently than him and maybe these are not the friends he should be with.

Walking home another thought entered his mind, am I allowed to play tomorrow if the ball is stolen as most probably it will be. Is it considered as if I participated in the theft?

My feeling is that it is wrong, but I did not steal it or help it being stolen. They stole it and probably played a little catch with it before the game started, so the store can no longer sell it, so what is the problem playing. If only Tatty was around he could answer this and all my questions.

Coming home he saw that his brother Dovid had a splint on his finger. Dovid explained we were playing dodge ball and Daniel threw the ball, I tried to catch it, but I missed, and it bent my finger backwards. The head counselor put this on and it no longer hurts.

Mommy was relieved and exclaimed Boruch Hashem. But the following morning Dovid was complaining that his finger is killing him. Mrs. Levy waited until nine o’clock and called her pediatrician and she was told to bring him in at twelve-thirty. Turning to Moshe she asked him if he could take Dovid to the doctor today. To her delight he replied Sure.

She was delighted and said, Moshe thank you, you are so good. Little did she know why he was so willing to forgo the game today.

Before taking Dovid, Moshe went to the park and told them that he won’t be able to play today as he has to take his brother to the doctor. The boys understood and he left.

Moshe gave a sigh of relief, now for sure I didn’t encourage the theft, and by tomorrow the storekeeper wouldn’t be able to use it even if I returned it. So maybe it won’t be terrible if tomorrow I continue to play with them.

The next day Moshe played with them and while three boys asked him about his brother, no one said anything about how they acquired the new ball.

In the middle of the fifth Moshe was on second base and the batter hit a single. Moshe rounded third and was running home when his yarmulkah fell off. He instinctively stopped to pick it up and all his teammates cried out loud, Nooooo! That groan distracted the catcher and he missed the ball.

So, while Moshe scored, both teams were furious. His team said, you could have caused the rally to end as that would have been the third out. The other team complained that they shouted in order to distract the catcher and he should have been called out for interference.

Moshe tried to explain to them the significance of wearing a yarmulkah, and why it is so important to him. However, they were not accepting it. If you do it again, we will have to disqualify you, and not allow you to play anymore.

Seeing that no one was standing up for him, bothered him and he came to realize that they were not as fine friends as he thought, but the season was almost over and he wanted to play. So Moshe promised them that from tomorrow on he would bring a cap and that would prevent his yarmulkah from falling.

They accepted that and things returned to their normal routine.

However, this incident left a bad taste in Moshe’s mouth. Why didn’t anyone stand up for him? After all, a game is only a game and by the time you get home, whatever happened today in the game is normally forgotten. One day, you can strike out every time you are by the plate, and in the next game you are the most valuable player. Next summer, I should apply to be an assistant counselor in the day camp and I will have fun there on all the trips etc.

The summer came to an end and Moshe was looking forward to the new year. I will make sure to make it a successful year, he said. I will ride to school on my new bicycle that I bought with my own money.

Entering the auditorium, he was pleased to see some of his classmates and sat down next to them. When his class was introduced to their new Rebbi he was shocked. There were only eleven boys and three of them were from a different elementary school. Where are all the other boys, he asked.

Moshe, they replied, on one of the days you were absent, Rabbi – asked us what our plans are for next year. Two boys said they are going to a different yeshiva and nine boys said they are going to public school for their high school education. Their family learns Hebrew subjects only until their bar mitzvah.
To be Continued

This post is in honor of my grandson Schneur Zalman ben Cheyena’s bris, on the 21st of Menachem Av. May he grow to Torah Chuppa and good deeds, and may his parents Yehudah Leib (Yudie) and Cheyena have true Chassidishe nachas from him and all their children in happiness and good health until the coming of Moshiach, may it be speedily in our days.

Rabbi Avtzon is a veteran mechanech and the author of numerous books on the Rebbeim and their chassidim. He can be contacted at avtzonbooks@gmail.com