Читать книгу A Jewish Journey - Sheldon Cohen - Страница 21

“Very interesting,” said the rabbi being careful not to expose his true feelings. The Czar’s lieutenants had a way of trying to sound interested and compassionate, but in reality, they were trying to ascertain the thoughts of the people and their leaders. And if the thoughts ran counter to Czarist policy, they labeled you a subversive. Subversives, at times, disappeared, thought Shepsel.

“That’s all, just interesting?” said Kolakoff.

“Yes, anything that will improve the educational opportunities for my people, I’m in favor of,” said Shepsel without going into any details. He thought, just answer the question and keep your feelings to yourself. Resist the temptation to express your true feelings. This was the advice he always gave his friends when talking to the authorities.

“You don’t worry about the fact that there’ll be no religious studies there?” asked Kolakoff.

This was not what Lilienthal had said, so Shepsel was not sure what to answer. Did Kolakoff know something even Lilienthal didn’t know? Was Kolakoff wrong? Or was he right? Whom could he trust? Was this a test?

He replied, “I leave it to the experts in education to decide on the curriculum. What do I know of science and mathematics? If there are no religious studies in the school, it doesn’t mean the students can’t learn it at home in their spare time.”

“Yes, Rabbi, we can’t be sure what you do behind closed doors.”

At that point, they arrived at Shepsel’s home. He turned, bowed and said, “Thank you for accompanying me home.”

Kolakoff bowed his head and left.

Shepsel entered and saw his wife, Anna, sitting at the table. The frown on her round face gave way to her usual Mona Lisa smile as she saw him. He discussed his experience with her. She shared his skepticism.