THE GOD OF VENGEANCE
thing that'll guard my home from evil.". . . So he said to me: "Have a Holy Scroll written and place it in your home." Rebbi, as for us, our souls belong to the devil anyway. . . For her, and in her room I'll place the Scroll; for her to have as a companion. As for us, we dare not, we must not. . . (Reb Ali bends over to the Scribe, whispers something to him, making various gestures and pointing to Yekel. The latter and Sarah stand at the table in tense expectancy. Pause.)
The Scribe, after brief consideration.
And where are the guests in honor of the Holy Scroll?
Reb Ali
We'll go to the synagogue and gather a quorum[1] of Jews. It will be easy enough to find men who are willing to honor the Law. (Arises from the table, pours brandy into the glasses, slapping Yekel on the shoulder.) There, there! God will help you! Rejoice, host! The Lord befriends the sincere penitent. . . Don't worry. You'll marry your girl to some proficient scholar; you'll take some poor Yeshiva[2] student for a son-in-law, and support him while he sits and studies the Holy Law. And the blessings of the Law will win you the Lord's forgiveness.
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