People of the Book
Am HaSefer Torah
by
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Yesod hesitated, then walked to the far end of the store. When he had found the picture he sought, he stood in silence before it. He felt almost relieved, and this feeling disturbed him. The light, the face, the figure against the thick, anchoring olive tree, they were already in his memory. Now he saw other things. His eyes first picked out the quality of the white filmy light from the misty darkness, touching the tree but laying like a mantle upon the thin shoulders of the praying man. Then Yesod looked at the stranger's countenance and began to discern the strength in the features. He noticed the firm set of the mouth, the intense concentration of the eyes as they seemed to penetrate the light. He sensed a life force behind the total figure that was, even in repose, commanding. He has endured much, Yesod thought. Hunger and cold, even loneliness and loss. An Essene perhaps, a poor hungry traveler along Judean desert routes. But this man did not seem lost to poverty. In his lifted face was a single-minded attention, earnest in every detail. Yesod's eyes moved to the supplicant's folded hands, they were the hands of a craftsman or an artist. Ah, he was an artist without work, a wandering soul, pledged to record the world's beauty in fineness of detail. Yesod smiled. This was a man sensitive to all of life, offering his thankfulness to the Almighty in prayer at day's first light, a common practice among the devout of Jewish men. "Yesod, where are you?" called Ali from across the store. "These are wonderful books you have brought me. Come and have a fig tart." Yesod stood a moment longer, his gaze fixed upon the earnest and handsome face of the man in the portrait. Again he traced the light path across the top of the picture, wondering at its source. It cannot be the sun, Yesod thought, those rays are meant only for him, as if he is part of the light. He noticed the strength in the tree trunk, it seemed a kind of altar before the praying man. A feeling of peacefulness seemed to emanate from the picture and the Jew who stood beholding his fellow within the framed picture sensed a bond, an ancient kinship he had never felt, even for his father. Yesod thought suddenly of the white haze that sometimes formed across the synagogue during Shabbat. Then he thought of the Sheckinah. How alike was the feeling that came to him at these times. A sweet song from somewhere long forgotten was in his ears, disturbing his concentration. I know you, his mind whispered to the man in the portrait. I have seen you, somewhere, somewhere...
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About the Book
When Yesod the Orthodox Jew first gazes upon the figure of a man earnestly praying in a garden bower, he sees only a dusty portrait of a misbegotten soul from biblical times in communion with God. But the strength and intensity of the stranger's countenance enthralls Yesod. Then he learns the figure is that of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Despite shame and shock he recognizes a deep kinship with Jesus. While studying ancient Hebrew texts in his room, a holy visitation brings him testimony that Jesus is the Messiah of mankind. Yesod faces expulsion from family and synagogue. His situation is worsened when his fiancée also rejects his newfound belief. Torn between his commitment to the Jewish community, his dear family and deep love for Sophia Yesod the Jew is faced with overwhelming, soul searching decisions.
About the Author
Marlena was raised a devout Jew. Daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants, she converted to Christianity through the visitation of angels. She believes that most Jews will one day accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. People of the Book is based upon real events. Ms. Muchnick hopes to produce this work for the stage. Marlena enjoys jazz, writing, hiking with her husband and their Keeshond, Molly. She lives and works in Seattle, Washington.