2) Part 2
Michael’s homecomings were quite emotional, as can be imagined. He always brought gifts and there were big hugs and tears as well. That night, the night we arrived home from the New York City airport, we’ll never forget. We didn’t get to bed until dawn and Michael–having a kind of weak larynx–could not talk.
The first time we heard that “It Fell On My Head” story we laughed so hard that it hurt. We cried tears of laughter as Michael acted the whole thing out; especially memorable was the way in which Michael portrayed this lovely rabbi, wearing a slightly crafty smile, holding out the book to Michael.
Together they sat and looked. Michael found all the Reidbords’ records from far back in time. Actually it was noted in this book that the Reidbord brothers built the synagogue. But there’s a shadow over this cheerful story; a whole section of my mother’s family were sent to concentration camps.
However–there’s another part of this story that I find incredibly endearing. Even the rabbi who was revered and who set the example for good Jews to follow, decided to “break the Shabbos rules” and get the book for Michael. It shows how a good Jew–and a good person as well–can determine what’s more important, the rule or the heart of a nice Jewish boy who wants to bring news to his mother.
So I wear a button that says: “Proud Descendant of Immigrants.”
lgmwriting 