Isaac turned the corner in the airport terminal and smiled warmly through his exhaustion. “Councilman Hirsch,” said the homemade sign in big block letters. The man holding the sign was Evan Jackson, his fellow city councilman. Evan’s welcoming, ironic grin said he was glad to see his friend but also enjoyed the gag of treating him like a VIP.
“Shalom, my friend,” said Evan without irony.
“Shalom,” Isaac said. They briefly embraced. “Thanks for picking me up.”
“My pleasure. How was your flight?”
“The second seemed as long as the first, though obviously it wasn’t.” Tel Aviv to JFK was hours longer than JFK to Salt Lake City. “How’s Dani?”
“My better half sends her greetings,” said Evan, “but she’s helping a different friend today.”
“Our loss.” Dani and Isaac’s own wife, Tovi, had been dear friends – but Tovi had been in the grave nearly a year.
Tovi, he thought. Toviel. God is good. He was just starting to believe that again – and though he had not always seen it, it had been the perfect name for her.
“How was your pilgrimage?” Evan asked as they waited by the baggage carousel.
“When I am there, I feel holiness. When I leave, some of it seems to come with me.”
“As it should,” said Evan.
“Yes, and I’d like to prolong it this time, if I can. I thought of you, by the way. The shofar was impressive, and I know your fondness for trumpets. And another reason.”
“What was that?”
“You call it the Holy Land too,” Isaac said. “Next year you and Dani should join me.”
“Let’s do it.” Evan’s sudden smile faded. “Forgive my asking, but how was it, you know, without … ?
“Holiness and loneliness are not incompatible. I managed to enjoy one despite the other. Perhaps it helped that I missed last year, because of her passing, and the year before too.”
“Because of her illness,” his friend said softly.
“Yes. Thanks for the card you gave me as I left. I rather enjoy having gentile friends who know better than to wish a Jew ‘happy Yom Kippur.’” He smiled sadly. “Happiness is not the point.”
“Holiness is more the point, as I understand it,” said Evan, “and I wish I could help you prolong it, but we need to have a serious chat with you this afternoon.”
“You said Dani didn’t come.”
“She didn’t. Vern’s waiting in the truck.”
“An unexpected turnout,” Isaac said. “It’s council business, then.” Vern Fellows chaired the Helaman City Council.