One day little Michael was on his way home from a Torah class… The little fellow really enjoyed the stories his rabbi would tell him. He would talk about the water of purification, the articles for temple service and the sacrifices. All woven together to teach and entertain the budding scholars. Then he came across Mrs. Bibi. She was a wonderful old lady who liked to dye her hair a blazing red. Not a gray hair to be seen. She always had a smile and a treat. Come in to my house Michael, I have a nice piece of apple pie I have been saving for you.
Well Michael never passed by a free desert. He knew his mother approved of these visits. So he runs into the house. Seated in a big overstuffed chair Michael dangled his feet over the edge. The smell of the pie filled his nostrils. When Bibi came out of the kitchen she had a small tray with the pie and a glass of milk on it.
This was second best part. He loved to eat Bibi’s treats but even more he loved to hear her tell of her days on the stage. She used to be one of the “Rockets” who kick stepped to the music. As was her habit she took out a cigarette and began smoking it. Yes, that is a bit unhealthy. As she talked about dancing and the people she met she would flick her ashes into the ashtray by her side.
The little boy became excited not only over the story but also about her ashtray. One pie and several cigarettes later the story was over. The little boy jumped up and asked her if he could empty the ashtray for her. She was surprised by the offer but allowed him to do it. Michael quickly jumped down from the chair, took the ashtray and went to the kitchen. He saw a brown paper bag on the counter and shouted to Bibi asking if he could have it. She called back that it was OK.
Michael then picked out the butts from the ashtray and threw them in the trash. Then carefully he poured the ashes into the small bag. He folded it over once and then once again. He placed the bag in his pocket. When he came out he gave her a thank you and a hug. Then out the door.
He didn’t go home. The boy ran back to the synagogue looking for the rabbi. Once he found him the boy said he had a very important prize. “What,” the rabbi asked. The boy said it was something for the temple services when it gets rebuilt. Confused the rabbi asked what it could be and the boy handed to him the bag. Opening the bag the rabbi saw some gray ashes at the bottom. He scratched his head. He looked down at Michael. Michael then said it was something the rabbi said was needed. The rabbi still confused thanked the little boy for this “gift.”
Later that evening Michael was in bed and he thanked God for the opportunity for finding this prized substance needed for the water of purification. As he closed his eyes he thought how easy it was to find…
The ashes of a red hoofer.
🙂
You’re quite the story teller Joe! What an imagination.