Satan in Goray

blocks, which had been unused and abandoned for many years; butchers stood amongst them splitting marrow bones with sharp hatchets, and carving out the lungs, liver, and intestines. A bloody hide already hung on a fence, to dry in the wind. Even the gentiles were pleased, for now the fat backsides and tallow could be bought cheaply. In the study house, where Reb Gedaliya came to pray the third day after his arrival, it was discovered that he did not recite prayers but sang them. Three gold crowns decorated his Turkish prayer shawl; his skull cap was silver- stitched like those worn on Yom Kippur. His snuff box was of bone, his pipe had an amber head, and a silver pouch held his tobacco. He pinched all the boys' cheeks lovingly and praised them to their fathers. For the scholars he had learned explications; ordinary people were delighted with his witticisms. After the prayers he sent out for a quart of whiskey and a honey cake. He sliced the cake himself with his small knife, which had a mother-of-pearl handle, and dealt the slices out to each one according to his years and situation, calling them all by name, and forgetting no one. Extending his full, warm hand, he wished each "to meet soon, in Jerusalem, at the gate of the Holy Temple."
    Reb Gedaliya was a welcome newcomer to the citizens of Goray, and he revived their declining spirits. His arrival was a sign that the town would rise again. The Sabbatai Zevi sect led by Levi immediately forgot the melancholy Itche Mates, and entrusted their leadership to Reb Gedaliya. Nechele, the rabbi's wife, praised him in the women's section of the prayer house, and bade the women send him Sabbath puddings. Even the old conservative citizens of Goray, the opponents of Sabbatai Zevi, did not openly step forth against Reb Gedaliya; because they too relished a spoonful of broth and a bit of meat, they pretended neither to see nor hear. Reb Mordecai Joseph rapped his crutch on the study house floor, flourished his left fist, and shouted: "Reb Gedaliya is a holy man! A righteous man! and the righteous endure forever!"

    4

    The Rejoicing in Goray

    Reb Gedaliya performed wonders. In every house his wisdom and talents were discussed. He had brought a kerchief with him on which the name of Sabbatai Zevi was stitched. When it was placed on the bellies of women in travail, their birth pangs ceased immediately. From the saintly Rabbi Michael of Nemerov he had brought magic pearls and coins worn smooth by many fingers. He knew how to make ointments for scaldhead and pills to prevent excessive menstruation. Since coming to Goray, Reb Gedaliya had saved many a soul. With his amulets he exorcised evil spirits from a house where they had dwelt and multiplied for years; he also restored the power of speech to a child who had been frightened by a black dog. Reb Gedaliya's piety and learning were famous.
    Levi was still young, unaccustomed to the yoke of a congregation, and Reb Gedaliya became the true leader of Goray. He ruled on all the difficult cases, and occupied himself with ministering to the spiritual needs of the community. With Levi he visited the mill, to pronounce it fit to grind the Passover wheat, examined specimens of the grain, and went from house to house with a bag to collect for the poor. Never since Goray first became a town had the rich given so much to the poor. Reb Gedaliya completely overwhelmed the wealthy with his smooth tongue, and enchanted them with his grand manner. Two weeks before the holiday the people of Goray began to bake unleavened bread. Reb Gedaliya himself drew from the well the first bucket of water that would be allowed to settle overnight; he taught the kneaders how to knead properly, the water pourers how to pour, the hole punchers how to punch holes. He even rolled up his coat sleeves, and, covered with flour, stood at the table beside the women. He even shoved the unleavened bread into the oven with the long wooden paddle. Not, like Rabbi Benish, with wrath and harshness, did Reb Gedaliya oversee the preparation of the matzoth, but with rejoicing and blandishments. With a long pipe constantly between his fleshy lips he watched everything that went on. The older women heaped blessings on him and said the Divine Presence was upon him. The young women and girls blushed and became more diligent. Smiling, Reb Gedaliya showed a mouth full of strong yellow teeth, and cried: "Hurry, children! Next year we shall eat matzoth in the Land of Israel! The angels