In Those Days: The Story of an Old Man Part 12

A young woman came out. . . .

"Marusya?!"

"Samuel?!"

We were both taken aback.

"And where is your husband, Marusya?" asked I, after I had caught my breath.

"And you, Samuel, are you married?"

"Yes."

"But I am single yet."

Yes, yes, she was a good soul! She died long ago. . . . May it please the Lord to give her a goodly portion in Paradise!--

Here the old man broke off his story with a deep sigh escaping from his breast.

We waved his hand at the son, who was dozing away unconcerned, lurching from side to side. The old man looked at his son, shook his head, and said:

"Yes, yes, those were times, those were soldiers. . . . It is all different now: new times, new people, new soldiers. . . .

"It is all make-believe nowadays! . . . ."

NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR

Av.

The month in the Jewish calendar corresponding to July-August.

On the ninth day of Av the Temple was taken and destroyed by t.i.tus.

Arba-Kanfos.

Literally "four corners." A rectangular piece of cloth about one foot wide and three feet long, with an aperture in the middle large enough to pa.s.s it over the head. The front part of the garment falls over the chest, the other part covers the shoulders. To its four corners "Tzitzis," or fringes, are attached in prescribed manner. When made of wool, the Arba-Kanfos is usually called TALLIS-KOTON (which see).

Bar-Mitzwah.

Literally "man of duty." A Jewish boy who has pa.s.sed his thirteenth birthday, and has thus attained his religious majority.

Beadle.

The functions of this officer in a Jewish community were somewhat similar to those of the constable in some American villages.

Candles.

The Sabbath is ushered in by lighting the Sabbath candles, accompanied by a short prayer.

Cantonists.

A term applied to Jewish boys drafted into military service during the reign of Nicholas I of Russia (1825-1855). Every Jewish community had to supply its quota; but as parents did not surrender their children willingly, they were secured by kidnappers specially appointed by the Community for the purpose.

See CATCHER. The same term was applied to the children of Russian soldiers who were educated for the army in the so-called District, or Canton, Schools. Hence the name.

Catcher.

An agent of the Jewish community prior to the introduction, in 1874, of general military duty in Russia.

Havdolah.

Ceremonial with wine, candles, and spices, accompanied by a prayer, at the end of the Sabbath.

HagG.o.dah.

The ritual used at the Pa.s.sover eve home service.

Hallah.

In commemoration of the priest's t.i.the at the time of the Temple. The ceremonial consists of taking a piece of the bread dough before it is baked and throwing it into the fire; a prayer is recited at the same time.

Heder.

Literally, "a room." Specifically, a school in which Bible and Talmud are taught.

Kaddish.

Literally, "sanctification." A prayer recited in commemoration of the dead.

Karaites.

Members of a Jewish sect that does not recognize the authority of the Talmud.

Kosher.

Literally, "right," "fit." Specifically applied to food prepared in accordance with the Jewish dietary laws.

Klaus.

A synagogue to which students of the Talmud resort for study and discussion.

Lamdan.

A scholar learned in the Torah.

Mezuzah.