Aliza with Child

In Rami’s class, there are twenty-two to twenty-four students. He has not yet managed to confirm a final count; perhaps not all of them have properly registered and perhaps a precise clarification on his part would chase away three or four students, and therefore it is best to proceed cautiously and not to jeopardize the status quo. From his perspective, he would also gladly accept any auditors who may have heard by chance about his classes. The main thing is that the room would look a bit fuller. Central College, where he teaches, focuses on the fields of literature, history and Judaism.

“I’m sorry I was nearly late to class, but here I am. I’m sure you would have waited for me even longer. Just yesterday, I heard about hundreds of people who traveled for two hours just to watch fireworks on the beach that lasted about a quarter of an hour. We can assume that our classes are a bit more valuable (giggling sounds) and, in any case, what is there for you to do outside of the college? After all, none of you are seeking to repair the world, or to destroy it (sounds are heard again). I feel like – or it’s more correct to say, I’m thinking about – telling you about a charming telephone call I received today from a beautiful woman. But instead of this, I’ll tell you about another personal incident, which is more pertinent to our subject of study. So listen: Many years ago, I...