Rabbi Ruben treasured his synagogue-from its cheery red bricks to its lively windows to the musty, dusty attic up on top. Each day there felt bright and new. But his synagogue was not so new. The sink in its huge, homey kitchen leaked. The floors in its wise wooden library creaked. And its sunny sanctuary had such drafts that at last Friday evening’s service, the Shabbat candles flickered once, flickered twice, and then blew out!
Rabbi Ruben had to make things right. “Our synagogue should feel cared for, like a happy home!” he said. So on Friday morning, he decided to fix things up as Shabbat gift for his busy congregation. First, he walked into the sunny sanctuary.
“Hello!” he said to Mrs. Tuchclapper and the choir, who were busy practicing for the service that evening, “You sound awesome. Sing! Sing! Pretend I’m not even here.”
Comprehension Questions
1. What are the three things a home is about?
A. family, friends, pets
B. who, what, where
C. helping, sharing, caring
2. How does Ms. Havis help?
A. cleaning carpets
B. Fixing the kitchen sink
C. polishing floors
A. cleaning carpets
B. Fixing the kitchen sink
C. polishing floors
Your Thoughts
3. Did you like this excerpt? Why or why not?
Vocabulary
4. List any vocabulary words below.