Naomi, The Rabbi's Wife

by Miriam Finesilver

  Laughing, Anne said, “Yes, I remember.”

  “The Rabbi’s wife, Sylvia, she basically told me the same thing.”

  After a small breakfast, Naomi excused herself. She would be meeting Daniel in about two hours at a travel agency to discuss their honeymoon. Both had seen an advertisement in the New York Times: Come to the LAND OF MILK AND HONEYMOON. How could they resist?

  About to step into the shower she heard the phone ring. She hesitated until she heard Anne answer. By the time she stepped out of the shower, she heard Anne’s whimpering. Naomi wrapped a towel around herself and ran into the living room. She found Anne curled into a ball, her hand clamped over her mouth.

  Through her sobs, Anne explained her mother had called. Anne’s father had fallen from a ladder while cleaning their home’s roof gutters and had been rushed to the hospital by ambulance. The doctors told Mrs. Holloway they were concerned he might end up paralyzed.

  “I’ve got to fly out there right away. Mom says she’s trying to reach my brother, but he probably can’t come home from Germany. I doubt the military will let him.”

  “What can I do to help? Anne, I’ll make your airline reservations while you pack?”

  Anne thanked Naomi for her help. Daniel understood when Naomi called to explain why she might be a little late for their appointment. He wanted to give Anne money for a cab ride to the airport, but she told him, “That’d be way too expensive.” She also declined Naomi’s offer to accompany her to the airport.

  Added to the worry for Anne’s father, both Daniel and Naomi were now facing “sticker shock.” The couple sat on a bench on the promenade, Naomi eating a large soft pretzel and Daniel having an Italian ice from the street vendor.

  They stared at the setting sun as it bounced off the glass skyscrapers across the river in lower Manhattan and pondered whether they needed to change their plans.

  Naomi broke the silence. “Did you have any idea it was going to be that much?”

  “Naomi, I’m sorry to say this . . . I don’t want to disappoint you, but it is more than we can afford right now.”

  “Daniel, I’m really not someone you have to worry about with money. I don’t like spending a lot. I’m little Miss Thrift Shop. You know that.”

  He ruffled her hair affectionately. “Have you figured out yet how much the wedding is going to cost? I’m sure your Dad is anxious to know.”

  “It’s going to cost a fortune—more money than Dad has ever paid for anything probably.” She winced, realizing this had to be the stupidest thing for a bride to say to her fiancé. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

  He reached behind them to the garbage can and deposited what was left of his messy cherry-flavored ice. Naomi dug into her pocketbook and found some Kleenex for him.

  “My fingers are too sticky. I’ll be right back.” He walked to the nearest water fountain and washed his hands.

  While he was gone, Naomi contemplated the plans for this big wedding. Flowers, photographers, caterers, fancy invitations . . . not her style and she didn’t think it Daniel’s either.

  Returning to the bench, he announced, “This isn’t our style, Naomi. Can we get out of it?”

  Jumping up from the bench, she hugged him. “Yes, please, let’s get out of it.” Yikes—what was she agreeing to? “Get out of what? Getting married?”

  His hands again ruffled her hair. “No, silly. Never that. But this big wedding. How do you think we can . . . I don’t know . . . streamline it?”

  “As long as I get a nice dress I’m happy. You, God’s blessings, and a nice dress, that’s all I want.”

  “Uh, honey,” Daniel gently but firmly corrected her, “you got that in the wrong order. We need God’s blessings at the top of that list.”

  Once they came up with some downsizing ideas for what would be the most important day in their life, Daniel brought up the subject of the honeymoon. “Maybe this way we can still go to Israel. We could consider going with a group. There are different synagogues that go as a group, and that way you get a discount. We could try that.”

  “But then we’d be going with all these people we don’t know.”

  This was also a reservation of his, and he had only presented the idea for her benefit. “My-omi, this is our dream, to go to Israel. I’ll make sure we can afford it, okay?”

  “Daniel, I have money, too, you know. I’m still getting a few checks from the Mop & Glo commercials and a lot more from the Campbell Soup one.”

  He studied her face. “Do you miss all that?”

  “You mean the acting?”

  “Of course.”

  “Of course, I don’t. I like playing the role of bride, and soon the role of wife.” In a shaky voice, she added, “And, Daniel, one day, mother, too.”

  Later that night she sat in her kitchen eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for dinner, trying unsuccessfully to reel in her thoughts. How could she not fantasize about her wedding night? The physical attraction she and Daniel experienced for one another was palpable, and his restraint with her was thrilling. More romantic than she could have ever imagined.

  Why didn’t anyone ever tell me this before? This feeling of being cherished took her breath away. And if he can restrain himself, then why can’t I restrain my thoughts?

  Unable to stop her naughty mind from wandering, she ran into the living room and played the cassette tape of Klezmer music Daniel had given her as a present. With the buoyant sound of Bohemian Nights, she finished her sandwich while dancing solo.

  When her phone rang, she quickly turned off the music and grabbed the glass of milk still sitting on her kitchen table. The glob of peanut butter had to be washed down before speaking.

  On the other end was Anne. The prognosis from the doctors was that her father would be paralyzed for life. “I don’t know when I’ll be getting back to New York. Mom’s falling apart. I have to be with her.”

  It’s not fair. Anne is such a better person than me. I don’t deserve . . . Then it was as if she heard her dear friend’s voice scolding her for such thoughts. She called Daniel with the sad news, and after listening, he said, “I’ll pray for him, Naomi. What’s his name?”

  “Mr. Holloway, that’s all I know.”

  “That’s fine. Mr. Holloway.” After a moment’s hesitation, he continued, “Naomi, I might have some interesting news for us. I’ll know more maybe tomorrow.”

  “What? What news? What is it?”

  “Calm down, honey. You’ll know when you need to know. I should have waited before I said anything. Now you probably won’t sleep all night, will you?”

  If he only knew how fearful I am of sleep . . . what happens if I have nightmares after we’re married?

  Once in her pajamas, she warmed up some milk and added some honey. She had vague memories as a child of her mother making this concoction for her whenever she had trouble sleeping. She brought the steaming cup into her bedroom and called for Zoey. “C’mon, girl, keep me company.”

  While sipping the milk and with the cat snuggled up in the bed with her, Naomi reached for the Bible which had brought her solace the night before. She read, “When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; He brought me into a spacious place.” Naomi set the cup back on its saucer and rose from her bed to kneel beside it.

  “Thank You—You have brought me into a spacious place.” About to climb into the bed again, an afterthought brought her back to her knees. “God, please, help me to be a good wife and one day a mother, too. I love Daniel so much.”

  “Dad, it’s $600, but it’s the perfect wedding dress. Please.” How could he say no?

  He didn’t. Naomi ran out of the phone booth and back into David’s Bridal Studio. The dress needed no alterations. She gave the saleslady a deposit and told her she would also purchase the matching cathedral veil.

  “Can I try it on again? Please.” The lady couldn’t say no either.

  Stepping out of the dressing room and seeing her image reflected in the t
hree-way mirror, the experience was the same as it had been only one hour before. This pure white gown brought tears to her eyes while at the same time uncontrollable giddiness.

  The saleslady told her, “Honey, don’t be embarrassed. All you girls react like this.”

  A few minutes later, back in her everyday clothes, she passed the same phone booth. She called the synagogue. “Daniel, I found the dress . . . it’s got the longest train . . . I hope I won’t trip . . . I’ll have to practice walking in it . . . it’s satin and . . .”

  “Whoa, girl. Listen, I’m glad you called. Can you come over to the shul this afternoon? There’s something we need to talk about.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  He assured her there was nothing to worry about, and perhaps he had good news to share with her. She decided to treat herself to a taxicab ride. Riding a subway would take too long for this curious young lady. Why did he say perhaps?

  Naomi stepped into the shul and was greeted by Sylvia who had just walked out of the library. She literally pulled Naomi towards the library. “Come, dear. We have a surprise for you.”

  Naomi saw Daniel waiting by the library’s double wooden doors. Rabbi Lehrer then emerged from the room, shaking Daniel’s hand and patting him on the shoulder. He then walked over to Sylvia. “Come, dear, we need to leave them alone.” He acknowledged Naomi’s presence with a nod of his head.

  Once alone, Naomi and Daniel sat on the overstuffed leather sofa in the library. Daniel ruffled her hair. “You look beautiful. The radiant bride, isn’t that what people say?”

  “The bride is nervous, Daniel. What’s going on?”

  “Once you hear, you can tell me if you don’t want to. It’s your decision.”

  In the most impatient voice Naomi could muster, she growled, “Daniel!”

  Taking her hand, he began explaining, “Honey, Sylvia’s brother . . .” He sprung to his feet. “He’s a rabbi, and he’s going to be retiring.” He now paced in front of her. “The Lehrers believe I would be a good candidate to take over his position as Senior Rabbi.”

  Catching Daniel’s excitement, Naomi jumped to her feet and hugged him. “Oh, Daniel, how wonderful. Where? And when?”

  “Boca Raton, Florida, Tell me, what do you think? Want to live in Florida?”

  She lowered herself to sit on the edge of the sofa now. “Aren’t we Jews only supposed to go there after we retire? You and me, we’re too young.” His pacing began again. “I’m sorry, I was only trying to be funny. Didn’t work, huh?” He continued pacing. “Boca Raton sounds beautiful, Daniel. Glamorous actually.” The pacing did not stop. “Daniel, when? When would this happen?”

  He walked back to Naomi and sat on the large arm of the sofa. Bending down towards her, he gave her the news. “Sylvia’s brother, Rabbi Moscowitz, is leaving in August and they want whoever replaces him to come a month or so early, so the new rabbi could work with the old one. They think that’d help make a nice transition.”

  “But we’re not getting married til August. How . . .?”

  Daniel now slid off of the sofa arm and positioned himself to place one arm around her neck and with his other raised her downturned chin. “My-omi, stay with me on this. Rabbi Lehrer and Sylvia both believe it would be best if I were married before I was interviewed by the shul. And they would want to interview me by June.

  “What?”

  “Oh, and actually they would want to meet my wife, too.” Her wide-eyed stare was returned by him, until their unblinking stares erupted into a ripple of nervous laughter.

  “So, you’re saying . . .” Trying to piece this together left her tongue-tied.

  “Yes, I’m saying we’d have to move our wedding up two months.” In a hushed tone, he attempted to coax. “It’s one way to get out of the big wedding we don’t want. And you have your dress now.”

  “Daniel, do you think this is like a sign? That we have God’s blessings? Remember, that’s what I wanted, the dress, you, and God’s blessings?”

  He took her in his arms. “Yes, I believe it is.” After a tender kiss, he reluctantly said, “You know this makes going to Israel for our honeymoon a bit harder to do.”

  “Daniel, I can tell how much you want this. And I can’t wait to see you as the head rabbi. You’ll be amazing. And don’t a lot of people go to Florida for their honeymoon—so why can’t we?”

  “You’re the one that’s amazing.” Standing up, he grabbed Naomi’s hand pulling her to her feet. “Dinner at Teresa’s?”

  Her smile said yes. Walking down the steps of the synagogue, he vowed, “We will go to Israel one day, I promise.”

  CHAPTER 13

  Holy Matrimony

  “Naomi, you don’t need to go to the mikveh. Only the Orthodox require that.” Daniel had only now discovered his bride would be taking the ritual bath the following morning. Having minutes ago finished the rehearsal for their wedding and about to leave for the restaurant with the wedding party, this news blindsided him.

  “Sylvia told me she had done it before she got married. She said it was a way to symbolize being made clean before your wedding. Daniel, I’ve never told you about my past.”

  Affectionately putting his finger to her lips, he said, “Shush. We both have pasts, My-omi. The Talmud says when a man and a woman marry, they become a complete human being. They enter into a new existence and the old gets erased. The sages say—you’re going to love this—when a person gets married, his sins are corked.” Laughing at Naomi’s startled expression, he added, “Our wedding will be like our own personal Yom Kippur.”

  Catching the couple in an embrace as she was leaving the synagogue, Aunt Luba teased them, “All right, you two. Soon, but not yet.” Holding on to her date’s arm, she asked, “Danielek, where’s the restaurant? Give Berto the address.”

  “135 Essex Street. Berto, do you need directions?”

  Berto shook his head no and Naomi added “It’s called Schmulka Bernstein’s. Is that cool or what?”

  Naomi’s father, walking out with his wife, stopped to tell everyone, “Schmulka’s, been years since I’ve been there.” He then told Helen, “The best kosher Chinese food anywhere.” Starting to leave, he turned back to his daughter. “You’ve made your mother and me very proud.”

  Soon all had left the shul and were on their way to the restaurant, Daniel and Naomi in the back seat of Rabbi Lehrer’s car. While driving, the Rabbi remarked that the rehearsal went very well.

  Sylvia pivoted her body from the front seat to address Naomi. “Did you see how happy your future mother-in-law was tonight? Asking Dana to be your maid of honor was so sweet of you, dear.”

  “Well, my best friend is still in Ohio and couldn’t be here. But I’ll tell you, when Dana said yes . . . wow, was I surprised or what?” Naomi looked at Daniel and said, “And asking Ed to be the best man, that didn’t hurt either. But seeing your Mom’s face, that’s the best of all.”

  Daniel asked Sylvia, “How’d the shower go for Naomi? She won’t tell me a thing.”

  Sylvia did not answer but instead rolled her eyes over to Naomi. After no answer came forth from her, Daniel pressed, “Okay, girls, what’s up?”

  Finally Sylvia told him, “You’ll have to wait until your wedding night. Especially to see your Aunt’s present.”

  Rabbi Lehrer looked through his rearview mirror and saw the embarrassment on both Daniel’s and Naomi’s faces. “Sylvia, turn around, dear. You’re making me nervous while I’m driving.”

  With her head still facing the couple, she told her husband, “But, dear, I haven’t told them yet about my brother.”

  At the same time both Daniel and Naomi uttered an anxious “What?” Rabbi Lehrer also asked, “What? You haven’t told them yet?”

  Taking hold of Naomi’s hand, Daniel asked Sylvia to please explain. “We both want to know.”

  “Of course you do. Forgive me. With all the plans for your wedding. . . Gabe called me this morning. It’s a last minute thing, but he�
�ll be coming into New York tomorrow with his wife. Their grandson graduates from Columbia next week and he thought why not come early and maybe he could meet the both of you, tell you a little about his Temple in Florida. Would you have time to talk with him?”

  “Sylvia,” Rabbi Lehrer scolded, “you’re not being very fair.” Again looking into his rearview mirror, he addressed the shell-shocked couple. “Don’t feel you have to be pressured into agreeing to this.”

  As the Rabbi pulled into a parking space, Daniel asked, “Would you give Naomi and me a moment alone to talk? Tell everyone we’ll be right in.”

  When it was just the two of them, Naomi asked, “What do you want?”

  And he asked, “What do you want?”

  “It might be nice to meet him. Get an idea about the synagogue.”

  “I agree. What about your mikveh tomorrow morning? Are you still going?”

  “As long as you don’t think I need to, I won’t.”

  “Mom’s in the kitchen making breakfast for Dad and her. Anne, our kitchen never smelled so good and seemed so homey.”

  From the kitchen, Helen Goldblatt told Naomi, “Thank her for letting us use her bedroom.”

  “I’m going to miss you being here so much, but I better go. Looks like Mom’s making breakfast for me, too, even though I told her I’m going out for breakfast. I better tell her again.”

  Overhearing his daughter’s phone conversation, Saul relayed the message. “Helen, she’s not eating with us. She told us last night, got a big meeting with the rabbi from Florida.”

  “Give us a call after your breakfast. Let us know how it goes,” her mother asked.

  “Mom, I told you, it’s no big deal. Daniel’s been talking to the search committee at the synagogue and even to one of the Directors on their Board.”

  “Go ahead,” Saul said as he shooed his daughter out of the house. “Don’t be late.”

  Since Daniel and Naomi had discovered their favorite restaurant had a unique breakfast menu, plans were made to meet Rabbi Moskowitz and his wife at Teresa’s.