Finally, the fateful hour arrives . You're already seated in a luxurious chair on the
Bimah,
inspecting the entire sanctum sanctorum. Rabbi
Sapotnik asks the congregants to open the
Sidu,. while
guests trickle in.
Everyone is in elegant attire . Mauricio is wearing a flashy tie . Sarita has a silvery dress and a hat with a white flower on the side . Isaac and Alice Backal parade as the dignified seniors they are . He walks with the help of a cane. She has a typically elaborate hairdo. Her glasses have diamonds encrusted in the frame. Next to them are sorne relatives unknown to you, followed by Papá. You look askance. On the opposite side are the Mendietas . They seat quietly, not knowing exactly what is expected of them. Mamá is gor geous ! Even though the Backals keep her ashore, she seems to be full of satisfaction. She reclines and whispers something to a family member. Is she speaking in Otomí? Your eyes return to Papá again. Why did you force me to do this ? There is no reason to ask anymore, though. No matter how long the prayers last, by noon it should be overo
Finito, kaput, óa/ueacaDó . . .
Suddenly, you feel hungry. What is the catering company Abuela Backal hired preparing for lunch ? Your mother wanted something Mexican: a spicy entremés, bean soup, pollo en mole, and multi color gelatin with grapes inside . The menu, however, was selected by the other side . You were told it needed to be Jewish food: chopped liver, matzoh ball soup, grilled chicken with salad, and ice cream. In any case, you ' re salivating . . . Is it a sin to think of food during the service ? Your mind i s turning around. Do you feel dizzy? You shouldn't. In less than a minute Rabbi Sapotnik will ask the congregation to stand up for the Ark to be opened. Calm down, Simón ! Or should it be Shimele ? Which name do you prefer? Either way, it is time to relax. In no time, as you carry the Torah down the aisles, a cadre of people you've never seen in your life will pay tribute to you. The rabbi will guide you at every step . You breathe deeply. Yes, thankfully you feel less dizzy now ! It is good to walk a little. Back on the
Bimah,
the scroll is laid open on a table . Your moment
of truth has come. Ay, ay, ay . . . Are your feet trembling? You stand up and take your place. There it is; in front of you lies the Holy Scripture . A silence takes overo You're about to start ! Again you breathe deeply . . . Come on, Shimele ! Read the first lin e o You smile and wait another second. Or is it a minute ? Papá walks up to take his place next to you. He pats you on the back. "The test, " he says . You start the recitation.
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