Page 77 - Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen

guard the sheep," the badchan said.
This time he was heard, and there were murmurs in
the crowd. One man called out, "But Reb Boruch, why
would they billet soldiers here if they are needed else-
where for the war?"
"Am I a general to answer such questions?" the rabbi
asked. "Am I the head of state? I only know that they
have promised me this, so this I believe. They say the
war is almost over, and we will not be gone from Viosk
for long."
"How long is eternity?" the badchan muttered.
Hannah tried to speak again, but this time Gitl's hand
covered her entire mouth. "Be still, child," Gitl whis-
pered. "Whatever your objections, be still. This is not
one of your stories that ends happy-ever-after. There
are not imaginary bullets in those guns. Listen to the
rabbi. He is right to calm us. If we go quietly, no harm
will come."
Suddenly remembering the pictures on television, the
ones that made her grandfather so crazy, Hannah shook
her head. But she shook it silently, as Gitl commanded.
She wanted to cry. She knew she'd feel better if she
could. But no tears came. Drawing a deep breath, she
heard the rabbi begin to pray aloud.
"Shema Yisrael, Adonai eloheynu, Adonai echod.
Hear, O Israel the Lord our God, the Lord is One."
The others joined in. Even Hannah.

They climbed into the trucks in family groups, reluctant
to be parted. Since Shmuel would not let go of Fayge's
hand despite the rabbi's fierce stare, the rabbi was forced

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