Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Barbers and Shavuot

Recently I've been going to a Russian/Israeli barber, Russell, who got pinned with an American name. He works near the high school on the West Side of Manhattan where I go to volunteer. He's funny and likeable.
Yesterday two bearded young Orthodox Jews were in the shop when I arrived, come to lay tefillin on Russell and his partner in advance of Shavuot, which celebrates Moses' receiving the ten commandments at Sinai, and which began last night.
Russell is no more a devout Jew than I, maybe even less, since he asks me questions to which I have no sure answer. But there he and his partner were, being wrapped in the straps that are attached to two leather boxes that contain Torah passages--performing a hallowed act of faith and devotion.
What a town this is, I thought! Just needing a haircut, I find two bearded Hasidim helping two young Russian/Israeli guys celebrate a serious old Jewish tradition--in a Manhattan barbershop!
 

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