Vienna Secrets

9

“I CANNOT THANK YOU enough,” said Rabbi Seligman to Professor Priel.

“Well, it isn’t me you should be thanking.”

“Yes, I know that it is Herr Rothenstein’s money, and I am indeed grateful for his generosity, but it was you who acted as our advocate.”

“Please,” said the professor, indicating with a gesture that he would not tolerate another word of praise. “The Alois Gasse Temple has a unique charm of its own, and its ark is a treasure. As soon as I saw it, I knew that it was worth preserving. ‘The Rothenstein Judaica Fund,’ I said to myself. It is regrettable that such a beautiful piece of craftsmanship had been allowed to fall into disrepair. I think we caught the rot just in time.”

“My predecessor, I understand, was not a worldly man. Isn’t that so, Kusiel?” The rabbi glanced at the shammos-the old caretaker.

“Whenever anything went wrong, Rabbi Tunkel just said ‘Leave it.’ He seemed to think that God would intervene and sort things out. Even the roof.”

“And as we know only too well,” said Professor Priel, “God is distinctly inclined to help those who help themselves.” The rabbi laughed-falsely-as, in truth, he did not agree with this facile sentiment. “Which reminds me,” said the professor. “You mentioned some damp, Rabbi?”

“Indeed, but really, Professor Priel, you have done quite enough.”

“It costs me nothing to ask. And there are other funds that might be appropriate.”

“Thank you,” said Rabbi Seligman. “You are too kind.”

The professor finished his tea and replaced the cup in its saucer. “Well,” he said, clapping his hands and rubbing them together vigorously, “shall we go and see the finished product?”

“Of course-if you wish.”

“I can’t wait to see it.”

“You will excuse me a moment,” said the rabbi. “I must get my hat and coat.”

He rose from his seat and left the room, calling out to his wife.

Professor Priel looked at the caretaker and smiled. This small token of goodwill was not returned. The caretaker looked troubled.

“Is anything the matter?” asked Professor Priel.

“No,” said the caretaker. “Nothing is the matter.”

“Good,” said Professor Priel.