The Pioneer: A Journey to the Pacific

by Schwartz, Richard Alan

  “I suggest you stay down,” Nathan said standing over the prostrate figure.

  Breathing heavily and spitting blood, the man raised his hand and nodded.

  Rabbi Rifkin pushed Nathan. “We have to get out of here.”

  “We’ll go to the police station and report them.”

  “No. Absolutely not. We don’t make waves.”

  “Zadie, this is not Europe.”

  “I know about these things, believe me.”

  * * *

  “We heard there was an altercation near Main,” one of two policeman said, standing in the entry to the rabbi’s home.

  Nathan stood next to trembling Rabbi.

  “There was,” Nathan said. “Two toughs attacked Rabbi and me.”

  “One of our patrolman found them shortly after the altercation. I was told they looked like someone knocked the hell out of them.”

  “I was defending myself and the rabbi.”

  “We don’t put up with crap like this, sir. We believe those two are responsible for mugging an elderly preacher and his wife last week. I’d appreciate if you’d come down to the police station, identify them and press charges. The preacher’s on his way down to ID them as we speak.”

  “I’d be happy to,” replied Nathan. “Be there shortly.”

  The policeman left.

  Rabbi Rifkin breathed a sigh of relief and said, “Thank heavens that’s over.”

  Nathan chuckled. “Those two are lucky William wasn’t with us.”

  “William? Your younger brother?”

  “He’s not tall but built like an ox.” Nathan laughed. “If he’d been with us, those two bums would have needed serious medical attention.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five: Gould Family Upheaval

  “I’ll get to call you rabbi in two weeks,” Joyce said on a late spring day. They sat on the couch in her parlor. “When are you going home?”

  “Two years from now.”

  Her expression one of surprise, she asked, “What will you do for the next two years?”

  “I’m going to medical school here in Philadelphia.”

  “You’ll be a rabbi and now you want to become a doctor?”

  “Since I was a little boy, my primary goal in life was to become a doctor. I’ll teach Jewish studies on the side.”

  “Does Rabbi Rifkin know?”

  “Not yet.”

  “If he wants you out of his house, where will you go?”

  “You and I have been together for nearly one year. We’ve put off talking about it long enough. I want to marry you.”

  Her expression brightened. “Naomi will be thrilled if we…”

  A gentle knock at the front door interrupted them.

  Joyce pulled it open, froze briefly, then gasped. The color drained from her face.

  In front of her stood a one legged man on crutches. His sallow skin was tight against his bones; his sagging Union uniform threadbare, soiled and disheveled. One pant leg was rolled up to mid-thigh where his leg ended. He gave her a near toothless grin.

  “Ruben,” she said.

  “Hello, Joyce. It’s been years but you still look lovely.”

  “Please come in.”

  He hopped to a chair, grimacing with each step.

  “We were told you were killed.”

  “I was captured. Sent to a prison in Andersonville, Georgia. Got an infection. Started as a small cut just above my ankle. When it got bad, they kept chopping more and more of my leg off until this is all that’s left. When the war ended they sent me home.”

  “This is my friend Nathan Kaplan. He’s about to become a Rabbi.”

  “A Rabbi. Nice to meet you Rabbi.”

  Nathan approached and shook his boney hand. “You two must have much to catch up on. I should leave.”

  “Nathan, please stay,” Joyce said.

  “Sit,” Ruben said. “I’m glad my wife had a rabbi to talk to during my absence.”

  “I’ll get Naomi,” Joyce said.

  * * *

  “Nice fellow, that rabbi,” Ruben said after Nathan left. “Joyce, I apologize for the way I look.”

  “Don’t be. I’ve read about the conditions at Andersonville. Newspaper articles and such.”

  “Before I do much else, I’d like to bathe and then I could use some rest.”

  “I’ll fill the tub and get some of your old clothes.”

  Tears welled up in Joyce’s eyes when her husband took his shirt off.

  Ruben noticed. “I know. Nothing but skin and bones.”

  She helped him into the tub. The clear water turned murky. Joyce scrubbed his back and washed his hair.

  Naomi walked in.

  “Out,” her mother yelled.

  The youngster spun around then shouted over her shoulder, “Sorry. Not used to having a man in the house.”

  “Ruben, does your mother know you’re home?”

  “No. Will you get word to her?”

  “I’ll invite her to dinner tomorrow night. That will give you a chance to rest.”

  “Why did you move out of her house? It would have been cheaper to live there.”

  “Your mother and I don’t get along. You know that.”

  “It’s different now. I won’t be much help making a living.”

  “I make enough to get by with my painting. You used to make wood sculptures. You do that and we could sell them.”

  “It’ll be easier living with her. Another person to help with my care.”

  In an angry tone, Joyce said, “I was little more than your mother’s servant and scullery maid when we lived in her house. I was young and didn’t know any different but when she started acting like Naomi’s mom, it was over. We found this place and moved in.”

  “My mother has good intentions.”

  “No! She’s mean and manipulative.”

  “Joyce…”

  “I’ll get your crutches. You should get some rest.”

  * * *

  “Good evening, Mrs. Gould,” Joyce said, opening the door of her home.

  Her mother-in-law entered. “Joyce, how nice of you to invite me. Except for an occasional glance at synagogue, I haven’t seen my granddaughter in…what…a number of years?”

  “Mrs. Gould…”

  “Still won’t call me mother, eh?” Brenda Gould turned to her son. “Ruben how wonderful that you’ve made it home.”

  “I’m glad too,” he said. Ruben struggled to stand with the help of his crutches. They briefly embraced.

  “Ruben! You’re so thin. Isn’t she feeding you?”

  “He just arrived home yesterday,” Joyce said.

  “And yet you waited until today to tell me.”

  “He wanted a day to rest.”

  Ruben said, “Let’s eat shall we?”

  They gathered around the kitchen table.

  “If you lived with me,” Brenda said to Joyce, “I could help you take care of Ruben.”

  “We’ll be fine.”

  Brenda tried the chicken soup. “Joyce, you made chicken soup with celery root. And you put in turnips instead of potatoes.”

  “Naomi likes it that way.”

  Mrs. Gould turned to her granddaughter and smiled. “Don’t worry Naomi, now that your father’s home, you’ll come to live with me and I’ll teach you the correct way to cook.”

  Joyce slammed the table with her hand. “That’s it.”

  In an innocent voice, Mrs. Gould said, “Did I say something wrong?”

  “Get out!” Joyce screamed.

  “Joyce,” Ruben said.

  She raged at her husband. “She doesn’t come to my house and insult me. I won’t stand for it.”

  Mrs. Gould again feigned innocence. “What are you taking about, Dear?”

  “Joyce,” Ruben repeated. “Mother’s just trying to be helpful. You should appreciate that. And I think she’s right. If you don’t want to live at her home, she could move in here.”

  “What?” Joyce yelled. Her expressi
on one of shock.

  Mrs. Gould suggested, “I could share Naomi’s room.”

  Naomi appeared terror stricken.

  Joyce stood up. “Like hell you will. Get out now. If you don’t leave, I’ll take one of Ruben’s crutches and beat you bloody.”

  “Ruben, did you hear what she said to me?”

  “Mother, I’m sorry…”

  “Sorry?” Joyce grabbed one of his crutches and slammed it on the table.

  Brenda Gould stood, balled up her napkin, and threw it onto the table. She spoke in a sanctimonious voice. “In order to keep peace in this family, I’ll make a great sacrifice and terminate my visit with my son and granddaughter.”

  Ruben pleaded, “Mother, don’t…”

  “Beloved son,” she put her hand on his cheek then turned and sneered at Joyce. “When your wife regains her mental balance, we can discuss your future.” She stormed out of the house.

  * * *

  One week later, Rabbi Rifkin, with Brenda Gould at his side, knocked on the door of Joyce’s home.

  She welcomed them and they, plus Naomi, gathered in her parlor. Joyce noted Ruben wasn’t surprised at their arrival.

  Rabbi cleared his throat and said “Brenda has informed me, there is some conflict among family members. I’d like to help resolve it.”

  Joyce sat in a chair and crossed her arms. Mrs. Gould arranged three adjacent chairs which faced her. Off to the side, Naomi sat on their couch.

  “Three against one?” Joyce asked.

  “You see?,” Mrs. Gould said. “She immediately impugns our motive for coming here.”

  Rabbi asked, “Joyce, would you like to resolve the conflict?”

  She hesitated then said, “Yes.”

  “Your mother-in-law believes she can be helpful in Ruben’s care.”

  “We’re doing fine.”

  “Even Ruben told me more care would help.”

  “All she does is criticize…”

  Mrs. Gould interrupted. “I do no such thing. She is too sensitive.”

  The room rattled as someone pounded on the front door. It exploded open. Nathan stormed in like the three Furies of Greek mythology.

  “You shouldn’t be here,” Rabbi said.

  Nathan put his hands on his hips. He glared at his grandfather. An angry voice emanated from deep in his throat. “Shlomo said there was a chance to see you resolve a family conflict. I didn’t want to miss that.”

  “Sit next to me,” Naomi said in a cheery voice. She patted the cushion next to her.

  Joyce uncrossed her arms, straightened, and had difficulty suppressing a smile.

  “He’s not needed. This is a private matter,” Brenda said.

  Rabbi observed Nathan’s expression was little different than the one he wore when the two young toughs attacked. He seemed to be radiating anger as he sat next to Naomi.

  “Rabbi, tell him to leave,” Brenda said.

  The rabbi said in a quiet tone, “I have as much chance of moving him as I would a ship’s anchor.” He turned to Joyce. “You were saying…”

  “I said Mrs. Gould criticizes…”

  “There she goes again. I give her advice…”

  The windows rattled as Nathan thundered, “Don’t interrupt Joyce when she’s speaking.”

  * * *

  “I don’t think anything was resolved,” Rabbi said as he and Nathan walked home.

  “Brenda Gould is a witch.”

  “I realize that now.”

  “Would you have realized it if I hadn’t shown up?”

  “You talk to a person once a week but you really don’t know them. I believed her complaints were legitimate.”

  “There will be no more ganging up on Joyce.”

  Rabbi laughed, “After your performance tonight, no one would dare.”

  * * *

  A month later and after Saturday morning services, Naomi approached Nathan.

  “Mom explained to me why you’re not visiting us anymore but could we still go for walks?”

  “Does your mom know?”

  “She said I could ask you.”

  “Does your father know?”

  She nodded.

  Nathan offered his arm. “Off we go.”

  After five minutes of talking about school, Naomi said, “Mom spends all her time painting or taking care of Dad.”

  “It must be hard on her. Do you help?”

  “Sometimes.”

  “How’s your father’s health?”

  “Good some days but awful other days. He got all sweaty and hot last week. The doctor removed more of his leg.”

  “Do you talk to him?”

  “I try. Really, it’s like we’re strangers.”

  “Be patient. Things will improve as you get to know each other.”

  * * *

  “What was prison life like?” Joyce asked her husband.

  Ruben shuddered as memories flooded his mind. “Mostly bad, but we all tried to help each other. We were crowded in a small area with a stream that ran through the center of the compound. The stream was our drinking water and toilet.”

  “No wonder dysentery was rampant.”

  He rubbed his chin and stared at the floor for a while then said, “There was this lady doctor who arrived at the prison after the war ended and not long before they let us go. With little to work with, she spent sun up to sun down and sometimes all night trying to save lives. She begged, pleaded with, and yelled at the officers to provide her with more medical supplies” He giggled. “I think they complied just to avoid confronting her.”

  Naomi asked, “What was her name?”

  Ruben leaned back and stared at the ceiling. “Pity but I don’t remember. Tall woman. We just called her Doc. A real angel she was…come to think of it the officers called her Dr. Kaplan.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six: Career Change for Nathan

  “As I’ve completed rabbinical studies, I’d like to talk about my future,” Nathan said. He and the rabbi were in the rabbi’s study.

  “I’ve been waiting for this discussion.” Rabbi folded his hands across his belly as he sat in a big leather chair.

  “You know?”

  “Please…sit.” He motioned Nathan to a chair. “You lived here a few days when Mrs. Ornstein was run over by that buckboard.”

  “I remember. She sustained painful injuries.”

  “You spoke to her while you examined her injuries, bandaged and put splints on her. Her shoulder was crushed and she was in terrible pain.”

  “I did what I was taught.”

  Rabbi’s expression brightened and he leaned toward Nathan. “It’s the way you talked to her and touched her. She was suffering terribly and thinking she might die. But as she watched you and listened to your confident demeanor she calmed.”

  Nathan shrugged, “It was nothing special, a couple of splints and a few bandages to control her bleeding before we took her to the hospital.”

  “You engaged Moshe and Lana who quickly came to your assistance. They followed your instructions to the letter. I’m proud you’ve completed your rabbinic studies but prouder yet of the healing you’ll do as a doctor.”

  “You knew?”

  “Each of us has a purpose. You discovered yours before you met me.”

  “You’re not upset?”

  He shook his head. “For quite some time, I ignored thinking you belonged in medical school; until I saw the painting of you teaching Naomi to bandage a wound. With paint and canvas, Joyce faithfully reproduced your skill and reminded me of the depth of your compassion when you helped Mrs. Ornstein. It hurt but I swallowed my pride. Maybe one of your children will be the next Rifkin to lead a Jewish community.”

  “I’ll be happy to talk to them about doing that.”

  “I have no doubt, if one day you find yourself in a Jewish community lacking spiritual leadership, you’ll provide it…if only temporarily.”

  “Thank you, Zadie.”

  “I hope you’ll continue to live
with me while you attend medical training.”

  “Thank you. I will.”

  “I’m retiring when you complete your studies. Dov has offered me a place in his home. I propose we head to Seattle together.”

  “The family will love having you live nearby.”

  “Nathan, please know, your father and mother are proud of you.”

  * * *

  “Hello Rabbi. I need to see Nathan,” Joyce said on entering his office.

  “I know he’s been on occasional walks with Naomi but it’s been nearly two years since he last visited your home.”

  Joyce nodded.

  “Go home and take care of your husband.”

  “Please Rabbi. I need to talk to him.”

  “Nathan will finish medical school in a few weeks and return to Seattle.”

  “I saw him enter the house a minute ago so I know he’s here. Please let him know I wish to speak with him.”

  Rabbi shook his head.

  Joyce smiled. “I’ll begin screaming and not stop until Nathan finds me. After which, I’ll let you explain why you objected to my visiting him.”

  The rabbi mumbled in a subdued voice, “You two deserve each other.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you.”

  The rabbi pointed down the hallway. “His room is next to the kitchen.”

  She walked down the hall and called out, “Nathan, it’s me, Joyce.”

  “Come in.”

  “Hello Nathan.”

  He looked up from the material he was studying. “Joyce, please have a seat.”

  She sat on a chair in front of his desk and spoke without looking at him. “I wanted to talk to you before you returned home.”