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KaddishPart 1 Prolog Tevye: In the village of Anatovka, for many years lived Russians, Ukrainians and Jews. Lived together, worked together… yet when the time came to die, each went to their own cemetery. Tradition. Greeting each other, the Russians would take off their hats. The Jews never took theirs off. Tradition. The Russians had a priest. The Jews - a rabbi. Wise people… knew the answers to all questions. Actor One: Father, why do roosters crow each morning? Priest: That is what G-d willed them to do, my son. Actor One: Father, what did we have before, the chicken or the egg? Priest: Before, we had everything! Actor Two: Rabbi, why don’t chickens fly? Rabbi: That is what G-d willed them to do. Actor Two: Rabbi, why do roosters stand on one leg? Rabbi: Listen, shmuck, if they don’t stand on at least one leg...they will fall over. Tevye: Wise people! G-d bless them! Also in the village lived a constable. One for all of us. Because people can be of different faiths but they can only have one Authority. Constable: Men! Whose goose is running amok here? Russian or Jewish? Actor One: I think it’s ours. Actor Two: Or maybe ours. Constable: And if you think hard about it? Both: Yours, yours, sir. Constable: Good! And here I was trying to figure out whose goose it is. Tevye: A fair man he was…Also in this village lived Stepan, the carpenter, Motel, the tailor, Fedka, the clerk and the milkman Tevye-Tevl. The Jews knew him as Tevye, the Russians as Tevl. And he had five daughters, two cows and one horse that was so old that she could only pull the cart downhill. And when the road sloped upwards, Tevye-Tevl pulled the cart himself. And only then did he take off his hat so it wouldn’t stick to his hair, and from a side it was hard to tell whether he was a Russian or a Jew. And honestly, what difference does it make when a person is poor and with his last strengths carries his own load… Tevye: Oh merciful G-d, one who feeds and nourishes all, if You created a man to be a man and a horse to be a horse then how is it fair that the man is hauling this cart while that cholera trails behind and laughs? Yes, I know what you would say: “Stop griping, for everyone’s destiny is inscribed in the Book of Fates”…That is so, but the difference is the page on which it is written. I’m just saying that if You prefer to create first the poor and then the rich, then I’m willing to wait in the second line. I’m in no hurry. Like they say, better last to marry than first to die. Right? And who would suffer if I was rich? Doesn’t the Torah say “He who gives, shall receive?” Everything you provide would come back to you. Anyway, I would give half of the money to Your worshipers, half to the beggars, and only keep the last half for myself. Not even for myself but for the dowry for my daughters, well and may be some for new dresses for my wife, hay for the cows and oats for the horses. I don’t need anything for myself…I can always make enough for a bowl of soup, and who needs more? A wise man once said, “The rich don’t eat gold and the poor don’t eat bricks.” And even if I was twice as rich as Rothschild, I would still walk around in this worn out jerkin and these old boots…can’t milk the cows in a tuxedo, right? What a sight it would be if Rothschild came to harness his horses wearing a top hat and lacquered shoes. And then barked in French, “Shh! Cholera on your head”! Hmm…I wonder how you would say “Shh, cholera” in French. Don’t know. That’s why everything in this world is in its place. Rothschild is Rothschild, Tevye is Tevye, and the horse is a horse. Doesn’t the Torah say: “People do not live by their own will”! But who am I to recite the Torah to you? Which one of us read it and which one dictated it? Perchik: By the way, “Shh” is “Shh”. Tevye: To whom are you speaking young man? Perchik: To no one. I was just saying that in French “shh” is “shh” and “cholera” is “cholera”. Tevye: Really? Interesting. It’s not everyday that you run into an educated man on the road. Where are you treading from, young man? Perchik: From far away. Tevye: That I can tell by looking at your boots. And judging by your cap, you must be coming all the way from Kiev. Perchik: That’s right Reb Tevye. Tevye: And if you know me by name then you must be a native of these parts. Perchik: I’m a native of that village where people ask many questions and answer questions with a question. Tevye: Then you must be from Anatovka. You do look familiar…did I know your father? Perchik: You did Reb Tevye. Tevye: Who was he? What did he do? Perchik: My father used to say: my business is tobacco, my money is the smoke! Tevye: Perchik, the tobacco man? Oh yes…good man he was, G-d bless his soul. Didn’t smoke himself and didn’t advise others to do so either…that’s why his business crumbled. But I see that he left something if his son is in college. Perchik: Can’t get by on something…that’s why I’m going to the village to make some money. Tevye: Good. The Torah says: eat only what you can earn…except you don’t look cut out for peasant work. Your hands are too smooth… Perchik: However, my tongue is in blisters. With it I will feed myself. I’m going to teach…teach kids…do you have any? Tevye: I was destined and G-d blessed me five times. Perchik: So hire me. I’m not asking for much, just some food and a place to sleep. Tevye: Food is not a problem, an extra plate won’t bend the table, but a place to sleep…I have to think about that. I have daughters, three of marrying age. Let a goat into your yard, he will surely eat your cabbage. Perchik: You are a wise man, Reb Tevye. Never say a thing without using a proverb. Except I’m from Anatovka, I know the rule: “In someone’s house, sit wherever a chair is provided…” Constable: Hello, Tevel! Tevye: Good afternoon, sir. Constable: Hauling the cart yourself again? Tevye: The horse asked for time off. To celebrate the Sabbath. It’s not too bad. The constable carries the whole village on his shoulders and doesn’t complain… Constable: That’s true! That is why I love you Tevel. You’re a cheerful man. So, how are things? How’s commerce? Tevye: I wish such commerce on my enemies. Summer visitors ordered cheese—cottage cheese—so I go in the morning to deliver it, but they left the night before! Spent an hour knocking at the gates until the dog ran out. Constable: A dog you say? Now that’s funny! By the way, that reminds me of my own bad luck…This morning my wife sends me to you. She says, “Go to Tevel and buy two heads of cheese.” I get halfway to your house, stick my hand in the pocket, there’s no money there! I come back and say to her, “Where’s the money?” And she says, “What money? You either lost it or drank it all away. Go get the cheese!” What could I say? Damn woman… Tevye: I say! Same thing happened to me…I left the house with a full can of sour cream but from all the shaking it settled. Now I’m going to come home and my wife will scream, “Where’s the money?” – “No money”; “Where’s the sour cream?” Constable: Wait, Tevel, hold on with your sour cream. I’m talking about cheese. You know my Oksana… Tevye: And you - my Golde! Constable: If mine starts yelling, the dead will rise. Tevye: If mine starts, they won’t hear yours. Constable: There’s only one thing to say—women!!! Tevye: I would add something from the Torah, but you can’t say it better than that! Constable: So what do we do Tevel? Tell me. Tevye: Well, I tell you what: if I don’t give you two heads of cheese, your wife will whine, if I do - my will. I’ll give you one. Let them both gripe! Constable: Well said! You’re a good man Tevel, even though you’re a Jew. Tevye: Somebody has to be, sir. Better me than you. Constable: Right again! Who’s this boy? Tevye: A student from Kiev. Constable: I can see that he’s a student. Why is he here? Does he have any papers? Tevye: His papers are written on his nose. He’s the son of Perchik the cigarette vendor. Constable: It doesn’t matter to me, cigarette vendor or not, he must have documents. I got reports…the students have been creating quite a stir…Boy, who are you? Perchik: A person. Constable: I can see that you’re not a horse! Do you have a passport, or any papers? Perchik: I don’t need any papers! Look there! I was born there; my father’s buried there… Constable: I see you’re very keen on the tongue… Perchik: That’s because of my last name—Perchik! Constable: How would you and your last name like to take a walk down to the police station with me? Tevye: Wait a minute, sir. Constable: Don’t interrupt, Tevel. This is serious . I need to find out some things: Who is he? Where’s he coming from? Where’s he going? Tevye: He’s going to my house…to teach my daughters French. Constable: What for? Tevye: What for? I have daughters of marrying age. Think about it, sir, what if, G-d willing, some wealthy man asks for one my daughter’s hand’s in marriage. In what language do I tell him “yes’? Constable: Ok, Tevel, but you will answer for him… with your head. Tevye: With two, sir… Constable: No, Tevel, one like we agreed on. Perchik: Why do you bend over backwards? Times are different! We already got some rights in Kiev. The police already salute us and address us as “Mr. Student!” Tevye: Where’s Kiev and where are we? Doesn’t it say in the Torah, “Every place has its own order.”? Perchik: Never heard that. And that order is no order . There will only be order when everyone is free and no one is poor or rich. Tevye: Who will be there then? Perchik: Equal people! Tevye: Is that how it’s going to be? Not bad! Well, I can come to an agreement with the poor, but I’m not so sure as to the rich. What happens to all of their wealth? Perchik: We’ll divide it evenly among everyone. Tevye: You’re a smart man, Perchik. I see you learned a lot in college, except I have one thing to say: it’s easy to divide the riches of others. Try giving your own away… Perchik: What do I have? Books? Fine, now they are a common good. Tevye: Then so is the cart…start hauling. Perchik: It’s not bad, reb Tevye. The important thing is hard work and freedom. Tevye: Hard work is right, but as far as freedom goes, the only free one is the horse…We’re hauling!
Golde: Look here! This is how we roll; this is how we knead. What
does the dough say? “I’m ready!” What does the rolling-pin say?
“Why don’t we take a spin?” Let’s go! Chava: The book’s sad, mom. Golde: What book when you have a knife in your hands? You think literate people don’t cut themselves? Put it aside! I said put it aside! Chava: Come on, mom. It’s the most interesting part… Golde: The most interesting part will be when your father comes
home and we don’t have anything ready…the sun is going down! Tzietel: She went out to get some water. Golde: I hope not all the way to the Black Sea. She’s been gone for an hour now… Stepan: Hello neighbors! Golde: Hello Stepan. Stepan: Did I come at a bad time? Golde: You have eyes, decide for yourself. Stepan: I have such a headache. Golde: I’m telling you right away, there is no vodka in the house. Stepan: My head’s pounding…well; at least do some of your chants. Golde: Stepan, you can see that my hands are busy. It’s almost Shabbat. Stepan: That’s what I’m saying…if I fall apart, who will milk your cows tomorrow? Golde: Fine. Sit down. Chava, take over the dough. Chava: What a disgrace! Witchcraft in our times! Stepan: Shah. Don’t teach your elders. Golde: Be quiet, Stepan. Think of something pleasant…Tzietel, the hearth’s smoking… Tzietel: I see… Stepan: You put the raw ones in after…the chips go in first. Golde: Stepan, think of something pleasant… Godel: You know who I ran into, mom? Menahem-Mendel, our relative… Golde: And? Godel: He said that he’ll stop by… Golde: Great, just what I need right now. Did I send you after water or relatives? Stepan: Who’s this Menahem? Menahem: Peace to your home! Golde: Thank you for the kind words. Please excuse the mess….we’re preparing for Shabbat. Menahem: I understand. Where’s Tevye? Golde: Where are people usually before sundown? He’s working. Menahem: I understand. I’m also a very busy man. Maybe its for the better that he’s not home. Golde: Excuse me, Menahem; I can’t give you a minute of my time. I’m treating my neighbor. Menahem: By all means…he won’t bother us. Is there smoking in this house? Golde: Now there is. Menahem: Where do you get such big raisins? Golde: It’s you who gets…we buy. Menahem: Reasonable. Anyway, Golde, I have business to discuss with you. I’ll start from faraway…how do you think I make my living now? Golde: How can a poor woman know what such a successful salesman is doing now? You’re probably, selling air or last year’s snow…you probably got rich…I saw your wife some time ago. Her eyes were full of tears, probably from joy…. Menahem: One needs to drink much before conversing with a woman like you. Alright, I won’t start from far away; I’ll skip to the middle. Yes, I was an insurance agent, I spent time at the stock exchange in Odessa and in a penitentiary in Kiev, but that’s over with. What’s done is in the past. Now, I have a real occupation on my hands…and it will be of interest to you. I’m a matchmaker. Golde: What? Menahem: Didn’t I say you would be interested? I’m a matchmaker. That’s why I came to speak to you. Golde: Children, go out to the yard! And don’t eavesdrop! Stepan, is your head feeling better? Menahem: It’s okay, he won’t bother us. Now, Golde, I’m going to tell you how I came to be a matchmaker. I’ll start from the beginning. Golde: Please, Menahem, start at the end. Menahem: Fine, however, such a conversation would be better off with some snack and a shot of vodka… Golde: Quiet! Stepan will wake up…please, Menahem continue… Menahem: Fine, so here’s the story Golde, after I left the penitentiary, where, as you know, I accidentally ended up and for the same reason got out, I started living in an apartment in Kiev. The landlady had an uncle who was a matchmaker. A man named Lebelskiy—maybe you’ve heard of him? He was the king of all the matchmakers. He was responsible for half of all of the successful marriages. If there’s only one bride in Vinnitsa and one groom in Taganrog, he’ll find them and knock them both straight into the pocket like a couple of billiard balls. Golde: Lebelskiy is Lebelskiy—what does that have to do with you? Menahem: The fact that he died! What can we do, madam Golde? That’s life. Man is like a carpenter…a carpenter lives, lives and then dies, a man does the same. So, Lebelskiy goes on to a better place and his belongings are left to my landlady. She, I must tell you, was very compassionate towards me, which is understandable…I’m always in a bow tie and smell of good tobacco…anyway, out of the blue she asks me, “Menahem, would you be interested in that?” Golde: What is that? Golde: Wait a minute, Menahem. What does any of this have to do with us? Where’s Vilna and where’s Anatovka? Menahem: Golde, do I look like an idiot? No! Even my enemies won’t say that about me. I know that you’re looking for local material. Take a card! Read it! Golde: I don’t know how. Menahem: Then listen to an educated person. “Anatovka. butcher Lazar Wolf,. A widower with big assets. Looking for a young woman from a good family.” This is why I came here, to this G-d forgotten village. I found him a prospect in Berdichev, from a good family…well, she does limp a bit, but that has its own appeal—she won’t run away. So I go to him, make a proposal, and he says to me: “Menahem! Why go far when there is something closer? If you want to make me happy, then set me up with Tevye’s daughter Tzietel. I can’t sleep at night because of her. She comes into my shop and leaves with my heart.” Please take notice - a simple man but expresses himself poetically. Golde: Do you know how old he is? Menahem: Age doesn’t matter when it comes to men. Our ancestors made it to five hundred… Golde: She won’t last five hundred years with him. Besides, Tevye doesn’t like him… Menahem: What do you mean Tevye doesn’t like him? Who cares about his feelings? Golde, do you want a wealthy husband for your daughter or not? Golde: What kind of mother doesn’t want happiness for her daughter? And after all, she is the oldest…we need to start with her. Menahem: So? Golde: Tevye won’t want the butcher. He wants an educated man. Menahem: I’m the only educated man around and I’m already married. So let’s not look for gold in a pocket full of holes…let Tevye go to the butcher. With men, it’s easy…they’ll sit down at a table, look into each other’s eyes, pour a shot of vodka… Stepan: What did you say, sitting down at a table? Golde: I asked you to be quiet. Well, Stepan, feeling better? Stepan: Yes…you have golden hands, Golde. So what were you saying about sitting down at the table? Golde: Nothing! That’s it, end of conversation. My challa is almost ready. Motel: Good day! Golde: Good day, Motel. Motel: Is reb Tevye home yet? Golde: As you can see, no. Motel: I need to talk to him. Golde: Thank G-d, not to me. Motel, please wait outside or we’ll be left without dinner. Menahem: Who was that young man? Golde: A local tailor. Menahem: Married? Golde: Who would want to marry him? He is as poor as dirt. Menahem: And in perspective? Golde: In perspective—a sick mother. Menahem: Too bad…I have one widow in Zhitomer who wants a young one… Golde: You saw him Menahem. Does he look like he has enough energy for a widow? Stepan: Well, I guess I’ll get going now… Menahem: Stepan, are you married? Stepan: Of course. Menahem: Do you have any daughters? Stepan: Of course. Menahem: Then I have to talk to you too. Tzietel: Mom, why was he here? Golde: I asked you not to eavesdrop. Tzietel: You can’t do this, mom…I’m a grown up. Golde: A woman shouldn’t be proud of this. Tzietel: I was right, he’s a matchmaker. You need to talk to my father today. Motel: I was planning on it. Tzietel: You’ve been planning it for a year. Motel: But you have to understand: this is the tradition. A groom can’t offer himself. Tzietel: Another couple of days and it’ll be too late. Once my father gives someone his word—that’s it! Motel: I’m telling you, I’m doing it today. I have a reason…I sewed him a blazer! Tzietel: Motel that’s a big risk. What if it doesn’t fit? Motel: It will. I have a good eye… Tzietel: How do you figure? Motel: I picked you, didn’t I? Golde: Finally he’s home. Chava: And not alone. There’s some fellow with him. Golde: Oh G-d! This is not a home, but a walk-through! Tevye: Good Sabbath to everyone. Golde, we have a guest. Let’s get acquainted. This is my wife, these are my daughters and that’s… Motel: I am only here for a moment… Tevye: That’s Motel…he’s only here for a moment. And this is Perchik. You might remember him. You used to play together and now he’s going to be your teacher. And not just a teacher, a French teacher. Perchik, say something in a well known to you language… Perchik: Bonsuar madam e mesie ze sui tre voo vooar… Tevye: Not bad, huh? The whole village will be green with envy! Golde: Calm down, Tevye. Wash your face and your head… Tevye: Everybody – dress up… We’re celebrating Shabbat! Golde: Are you insane? Bringing a man into the house? Tevye: He’s local, he knows the rules. Golde: A man is still a man. He can’t be trusted. Tevye: Quiet, Golde! I told him “yes”, my word is final! Golde: A man from Lazar the butcher came by today. Asked you to stop by for an important conversation. Tevye: I know what he wants – to buy my brown cow. No way. Golde: He never mentioned a cow. He just said: stop by for an important conversation. Tevye: I know his deals: buy cheap, kill fast, sell expensive. I won’t go. Golde: Tevye! Tevye: Golde! I said “no”! Motel: Reb Tevye, I also have something important to say to you. Tevye: Not now, Motel. With all these conversations we’ll never get to the table. It’s already sundown and I’m not yet dressed. Motel: That’s what I’m saying. Here. This is for you… Tevye: What is that? Motel: A blazer… Tevye: Motel, I didn’t order one… Motel: It’s a surprise. The first one. I’ll tell you the second one when you try it on. Golde: But it is made from different pieces, Motel… Motel: Golde, I’m a poor tailor. I don’t have money for expensive fabric, but I used the best pieces! Try it on, reb Tevye. Suck in your stomach, reb Tevye. Tevye: How is it? Golde: Why are you asking me? He was trying hard – so be thankful. Motel: I think it looks good. I will add onto the sleeves later. And now, reb Tevye, the second surprise! But I want your whole family to be here. Tevye: Speak faster, Motel, I’m buttoned! Motel: Everyone, come here! Listen to me. I want to say something important to your father. Tevye: Speak up, for G-d’s sake! Motel: Reb Tevye, Golde, I am a simple man, I am a poor man, I am… Tevye: I warned you… Motel: I’m an unlucky man… If a tailor doesn’t have money for good thread, then he’s not a tailor. He’s better off not living at all… Tzietel: Mom! Dad! You can’t do this. He tried hard. Stay, Motel! Tevye: Of course, of course. Are you a man or what? Let’s just say this is a vest! Nothing happens at once. The Torah says: “G-d didn’t create the world in one day…” Motel: When I buy a sewing machine… Tevye: Then we’ll talk. That’s it. And now – to the table. Is it Shabbat or not? Women, stand back. I need to pray. Golde: Tevye… Tevye: I said – women stand back. Golde: But I didn’t finish. It’s important. My grandmother came… Tevye: Are you sick, Golde? Your grandmother passed away 20 years ago. Golde: That’s why I said this is important. She came to me in a dream. Tevye: Shush, go away woman. Golde: This is a sign. She came and said: “Tevye needs to go talk to Lazar tomorrow” Tevye: Your grandmother’s fool and you are just like her! Golde: That’s a sin! And such words on Shabbat are twice as sinful. If my grandmother came from the other realm that means it’s a sign! Tevye: Tell me, my Lord, do you need this kind of prayer? This is a mess, not a prayer! Everyone – to the table. Light the candles and no conversations except for with G-d! Stepan: Half of Anatovka observed the Sabbath on Saturday and half on Sunday. Some thought that G-d rested on the sixth day and others – on the seventh. I think that G-d never rested… He has way too much to do…
Menahem: Good day, Voitsek. Voitsek: Good day, pan Menahem. Menahem: Voitsek, I need a table in a quiet place for an important conversation, a bottle of good vodka, a couple of shot glasses, some flowers… and ask musicians to play softly, for the mood… Voitsek: Will be done. Is this good? Menahem: Fine! Put in fresh flowers. Voitsek: Of course! I feel you finally ran into some money… Menahem: Here’s a deposit! But if things go well, you’ll get a nice tip. Put everything on Lazar, the butcher’s tab and don’t ask me anything else – it’s a secret! Voitsek: Of course, pan Menahem, a secret’s a secret. But I should put big glasses – Tevye doesn’t drink from small ones. Menahem: Can’t do anything in a village. Everyone knows about everything. Hello, Fedor! Fedor: Hello! Menahem: What’s in the newspaper? Fedor: Nothing good… there is cholera in Odessa, pogroms in Kishinev. Menahem: That’s why I don’t buy them. You need to have nerves of steel to pay for such news. Anything about Anatovka? Fedor: Thank G-d, no. Menahem: Then we’ll continue to live like before. Listen, Fedor, I need a favor. You are the most well-read person; you’ve read everything about everything. Off the top of your head, do you know any poem about how an old man falls in love with a younger woman? Fedor: What for? Menahem: Fedor, thank G-d you’re not Jewish and don’t pick up our bad habits. Don’t answer with a question. Fedor: Othello was old… and Getman Mazepa… Menahem: Good! Let’s take getman… That is closer to us… And what did he say to her? Fedor: Hold on… Menahem: G-d bless you and whoever wrote that. Here’s a photo. You know this man… Fedor: Lazar the butcher! Menahem: Shah!! Quiet! Not Lazar the butcher but Lazar the groom! Could you write Mazepa’s words here on the back? The father of the bride likes poetry. Fedor: Do you mean Tevye the milkman? Menahem: Yes. Why? Fedor: The butcher wants to marry Tevel’s daughter? Menahem; What’s wrong? Are you interested? Fedor: Tell me! Menahem: Quiet, young man! He’s after the eldest… Tzietel. Is there a problem? Fedor: Then there’s no problem. I’ll write it. Menahem; You have your eye on another one? I pity you; it’s not
a custom here. Birds and fish don’t nest together. Lazar: Listen, Menahem, I’m a bit nervous. Why do I need all of this for? I’m a simple man. Yes? Yes. No? No. He agrees – we’ll shake hands. He doesn’t – turn around, butt to butt and whoever jumps further. Menahem: Stop! Reb Lazar, that’s not how it’s done. We’re not in your shop, things must be handled delicately. This is your first second marriage. Listen to me. The talk with the father is very important. Start slowly at the beginning. You are not at an age where you can speed along… Lazar: Age has nothing to do with this! Everything still works like that of a young man! Menahem: Save that for the bride! That’s not important for the father. He expects from you to be polite. I’m not here, but if anything – I’m right there. Voitsek: Good evening, reb Tevye! This way. He’s waiting. Tevye: He’s after my brown cow! No way! Voitsek: I understand… a secret’s a secret! Lazar: Good evening reb Tevye. Tevye: Good evening reb Lazar. Lazar: Won’t you have a drink with me? Tevye: Wouldn’t want upset you by declining. Lazar: So, how are things? How’s everything? This? And that? Tevye: Thank G-d, this is good and that isn’t better. Working hard… Doesn’t the Torah say: “And you will earn your bread with hard work” Lazar: Right! Then let’s drink! To life! L’haim! Tevye: L’haim! Lazar: So, what is going on? What would you say, for example, about the Boer war in Africa? Tevye: I don’t want to upset you, reb Lazar, but it’s been over for five years now. Lazar: Really? Then we should drink again! Tevye: Why not? Lazar: Reb Tevye, I’m a simple man. You also aren’t a duke, though you can read. Why do we need to beat around the bush? I assume that you have figured out why I asked you here… Tevye: Yes, reb Lazar, and even though I drank your vodka, I must say “no”! Lazar: I must ask “why”? Tevye: She’s a living being, reb Lazar! My heart goes out to her. Lazar: But everything has its time. And when it comes you have to let her go. Tevye: What’s the hurry? The river isn’t burning yet. Lazar: Reb Tevye, why are you being so stingy? She’s not your only one. You have more… Tevye: I know you: I give you one – you’ll want another. Lazar: What will I do with two? Tevye: The same thing as with one. This isn’t the first day I know you! Lazar: Stop, reb Tevye! I need to take a walk and think about your
words. Menahem: Hmmm, he’s slick… Don’t agree! Demand only one! Lazar: Reb Tevye, our talk isn’t working. Let’s start again. Tevye: From the Boer war? Lazar: No, from L’haim! Tevye: And how will my brown cow help you? Lazar: You call her a cow? Tevye: What else am I supposed to call her? Lazar: Stop! I need to take a walk and think about your words. Menahem: How much did you drink? Lazar: Almost a bottle. Menahem: Not enough. Order more. Let’s try together. Tevye: What for? Menahem: So she can look at it! Tevye: Where? In the barn? Are you nuts! What will she need Lazar’s photo for? She will stop milking! Lazar: Stop! Menahem: Stop! Lazar: Menahem, step back! You bring nothing but confusion. Reb Tevye, tell us what we have been talking about? Tevye: Clearly, about my brown cow! Lazar: About your cow? Did you hear that, people? I’ve been talking about your daughter, Tzietel! Tevye: About my daughter? Menahem: Of course… It’s all so simple…he’s a groom, I’m the matchmaker, and you’re the happy father. Reb Tevye, I am your relative and wouldn’t wish you harm. That is like winning the lottery! She will live in clover with him! Tevye: Leave me, Menahem, I have to think this over. Lazar: Your word? Tevye: My word. Lazar: Let me kiss you, Papa! Tevye: Not so fast, reb Lazar, it takes some getting used to when the father and the groom are of the same age. Menahem: Everybody, did you hear that? Tevye said “yes”! All drinks - on the groom’s tab! L’haim! Tevye: To life! L’haim! Constable: Hello, Tevl! Tevye: How do you do, sir? Constable: Congratulations, Tevel! Tevye: You already know? Constable: Of course! That’s my job – to know everything… So, congratulations! Or, as you would say, mazeltov! Tevye: Thank you, sir… Constable: One more thing… I owe you… For the cheese… Tevye: Don’t insult me, sir! We are countrymen, are not we? Constable: Take it! You may need it… Tevye: Did something happen? Constable: No! Nothing happened… yet… However, I have some news for you. Some people came to me… Tevye: What kind of people? Constable: Different… From the city… They want to create a stir… Tevye: Pogrom? Constable: What are you saying? This is a village, not Kishinev. So, it will be a light disturbance… They’ll yell a little… Maybe, smash a couple of windows… Tevye: What for? Constable: Don’t you know yourself? You put blood in matzo… Exploit Christians… Tevye: You ate my matzo more than once, sir, and who will suffer if Stepan milks my cows on Saturday and I his on Sunday? Constable: Listen, Tevye, I am talking to you because you are wise man. I have an order – no hinder. We have Constitution now, damn it! Freedom of manifestation! Got it? And tell your folks not to answer… They will yell and leave… And now, go and don’t take this close to your heart… Once again – congratulations! Tevye: And what do You need that for? Such news on such a day… I know we are the chosen people, my Lord, but sometimes choose someone else…
Perchik: Good Morning Godel: Good morning teacher Perchik: Sorry, I am late. I had to meet some friends in the city. Godel: I am not asking where you spent the night. That is none of my business Perchik: Where is everyone else? Godel: Tzietel is not going to study today. Perchik: I see. Getting ready for the weeding? Godel: Yes. Perchik: And what is she doing? Godel: Crying. Perchik: I see. And what about Chava? Godel: Consoling her. Perchik: I see. And what about you? Godel: Why don’t we start the lesson? Perchik: I already started, and asking you, why aren’t you with your sister? Godel: I congratulated her Perchik: You consider her to be fortunate? Godel: I think that our parents know better than us, what’s good and what’s bad. Perchik: You are a very obedient daughter. May be you’ll get lucky as well and someday be given away to a rich old man. Godel: Then it’s fate. Torah says “An angel descends 40 days before the birth of a girl and whispers the name of her soul mate” Perchik: It’s strange that he whispered the name of Lazer Wolf since at that time, he was still married to his previous wife. Godel: We are simple people. It’s easy to make fun of our faith. Perchik: There is faith, and then there are superstitions. The whole world is changing and only here in Anatovka time stands still. Girls separated from boys. The first time a bride sees the groom is at the wedding. Married women are forced to cut their hair. It’s an outrage. Godel: Are city girls better? Perchik: In the city girls are… independent. And we respect them.
Even greet them by shaking their hands. Godel: Hello Perchik: Don’t be afraid. Take my hand. Here, you see, nothing happened. Your hand in my hand. Godel: And then what? Perchik: Then… And then anything we want. We can talk. Or we can dance. For example do you dance Tango? Godel: That’s inappropriate Perchik: What is inappropriate about it? One two three. Godel: Good afternoon. Tevye: Afternoon? The sun is up already? And I thought I was just dreaming. What are you doing here? Godel: We’re having a lesson. Tevye: Ahh… And I thought… Damn. Everything is spinning. Where is Godel? Godel: I am Godel, father. Tevye: Are you sure? No, I meant my wife. What’s my wife’s name? Golde: Golde is my name. It’s about time you memorized it. Go children. There is no point of talking to your father right now. He needs to sober up. Tevye: Golde. I told you a million times before. Show some respect. What do you mean “sober up”. A man has a right to have a drink. Even the Torah says “And Noah had some wine. And was intoxicated. And rested in his tent… “ Golde: Sit down Noah. Let me treat you. Couldn’t find a better time to drink. With such an event in the house. I was up all night. Where are we going to get a wedding dress? And shoes? How are we going to pay for the musicians? Tevye: Let the groom worry about that. Golde: Oh no. We’re poor, but not pitiful. A bride should have at least some kind of dowry. Linens, dishes… where’s all that going to come from? Tevye: Golde. Are you taking my headache away or giving me one? Better yet, tell me how is Tzietel? Golde: She locked herself up and crying her eyes out. I started consoling her and before I knew it, we were crying together. Tevye: Dear Lord. You made a woman not from a rib but from tears. It this a good fortune or not? The whole village was congratulating me yesterday. Every single father is green with envy right now. Golde: Tell her that Tevye. Tell her. A rich husband is a reward for our prayers. Tevye: Step away woman. Don’t tell me what to say when there is
the Torah! And Torah says… No. I better say it to her so I don’t
repeat myself. Golde: Don’t upset your father. He is a force to recon with when angry. Tevye: Thank you Golde. Now leave. I want to be alone with my daughter… and the door. Golde: Oh, G-d! If this is how the first one is getting married, where can we get strength for the rest. Tevye: Before I break this door I will quote the Torah. “Listen to the counsel of your father and you shall find happiness”. In addition to that I will cite a section not from the Testament but from my life. When your mother and I got married we had no house, but a barn like this one. It had no floor… and a joke of a roof full of holes. And the day you were born it was raining as hard as if a river was pouring down from the sky, and I was afraid that Golde would choke not from her screams but from the water. Then I fell down to my knees and asked the Lord “Dear G-d, I beg you. Let my firstborn be born healthy and I won’t mercy myself, I’ll work day and night to make sure that there is always a roof over her head… and her children… and their children…” That was my vow. And you were born healthy and weren’t shaking from the cold and the rain. And now I am giving you away to a good house. So whether or not you like the groom is secondary. Think of your children… of their children… That’s our faith. For if our forefather Abraham was not thinking of his descendents we would still be slaves in Egypt. And now I am taking down this door otherwise my words will lose their meaning. Where were you? Motel: She went to the river. Tevye: I am asking my daughter Motel: She went to the river, reb Tevye, all the way to the edge where daughter of the shoemaker Yaakov drowned last year. Tevye: What? How dare you say that to a father? Tzietel: Papa. Forgive me. Pity me. Don’t give me to Lazer. Tevye: Get up. Tzietel: If it’s for the money, I’ll do anything. The most menial work. Tevye: Stand up. I gave him my word. A man’s word is his bond. It’s worth more then gold. Motel: But not more then his daughter. Tevye: You – leave. This is a family matter. Strangers can wait outside. Motel: I am not a stranger. Tevye: Really? Then who are you? Her brother? Uncle? Husband? Motel: I am her Motel. Motel that she loves. And I love her. We gave each other a pledge. Tevye: They gave each other a pledge. People did you hear that? The world has gone mad! Motel: A man’s word is his bond. You said so yourself. Tevye: Never mind what I said, not all nonsense should be repeated. Listen Motel, if you wanted to marry my daughter you were supposed to send a matchmaker. And if you were to send a matchmaker I’d close the door before him, and only from behind the door I’d tell him that Tevye’s daughter must be earned. And if the groom’s pocket is empty then I have nothing to put there besides a rejection. That’s what I’d tell your matchmaker if such a fool existed. Now leave while you are still in one piece. As the Torah says “Horrifying was Goliath in fury” Motel: I’m not going anywhere, the Torah also says “And David stood like a rock” Tevye: What? You are quoting the Torah to me? Do you remember what it says of Egyptian plagues? Motel: I do reb Tevye. “And said the Lord to Moses. Take this pole and stretch your hand upon the river, and all the water will turn into blood, and there will be blood throughout the land of Egypt” Tevye: How does a scoundrel like you know the Torah so well? Motel: I studied for this conversation. Memorized almost half of the Torah. Tevye: How do You like that? Although, I have a feeling, You like that. Tzietel: Father. Give us your blessing. I know you are kind. Tevye I am kind, my dear, that’s why I know that it will break my heart to see your gloomy existence in poverty. Motel: I will work reb Tevye. Day and night. Your daughter will not know a need. I’ve been given credit for a sewing machine. Tevye: A sewing machine. Tell it to Rotshield. He’ll die from envy. Motel: If you consent, reb Tevye, then it’s we who will obey your wishes. Tevye: Well… A polite son-in-law is a good start. Now leave. Both
of you. I have to find a way to congratulate your mother… in a way
that does not bring her to tears. Golde: What’s that? Tevye: A flower. Golde: Perhaps. What for? Tevye: Golde, it’s easier to give birth then to answer all of your questions. A man gives his wife a flower. It’s normal Golde: Considering the fact that it’s once in twenty years… you’re right. Tevye: Well… I have to start somewhere. Golde: Tevye… Let me kiss you. Tevye: I won’t protest… But first, one question… Golde: Wait with your questions. Tell me how it all happened. Tevye: Your misfortune is that you don’t know how to eavesdrop.
It would make it easier on me. Golde: Did you hit her? Tevye: G-d forbid Golde. Doesn’t the Torah say “A kind word softens the heart” or something like that. But wait. First answer this question. Did your grandmother really come to you? Golde: But of course. Tevye: And named Lazer the butcher? Golde: Why are you asking me? Tevye: Because last night she visited me. Golde: Why would she? Tevye: How would I know. She’s your grandmother. Golde: My grandmother is a respectable woman. She wouldn’t visit a man at night. Tevye: It was closer to the morning. And that’s not the point. She came and named the groom. Motel the tailor. Golde: You’re mistaking. Tevye: I double-checked. Motel she said, end of discussion. Golde: That poor tailor, has she gone nuts? Tevye, you were drunk! Tevye: Maybe, but your grandmother, as sober as a whistle. Motel she said, or I will curse you. Golde: Tevye. What are you up to? To me she named Lazer Wolf Tevye: We need to clarify. This is not the time to allow any mistakes. We need to meet with your grandmother one more time. Golde: Where? Tevye: At the cemetery. We’ll go at midnight. Light candles. I think she’ll show up under the circumstances. Although, if you are afraid of ghosts, I can go alone Golde: Lord, have mercy. I understand. Old fool! That explains why Motel was circling the house all morning. You were supposed to persuade your daughter, not me. Dear G-d. Dear G-d. Tevye: Hush Golde. Hush. What will people say? Oh well, cry it out. Wasn’t your mother crying when she gave you away to me? And here we are. Five daughters grew through her tears. Each one better then the other. Scene 5 Perchik: Quiet… please… I have something to say! Perchik: My fellow countrymen! Jews! Citizens! Yes! I say “citizens” because now we have a constitution in Russia, and we also have civil rights, although in reduced size form… Menahem: In circumcised form… Tevye: Menahem, I asked you… There are women here… Menahem: Don’t they know about this? Perchik: Please, quiet! I am talking about serious things. These rights are not given to us, they were fought for. Tevye: Perchik, it’s wedding… Perchik: I know, reb Tevye. And I propose a toast to our bride and groom who made their first civil action – chose one another… And although they are both poor, they belong to the same class – the class of working people! Love, being reinforced by the class ties, will help them create a strong family, a cell of the new society! Lazar: I don’t understand. What “classes”? We are not in a yeshiva, are we? Guest: What “yeshiva”? He means a train… there is first class, second class... Tevye: What train? They aren’t going anywhere…. Menahem: Quiet! Let me explain. Menahem: This wedding happened without a matchmaker, but the matchmaker still has something to say… Golde: Menahem! Don’t say too much. You are here just as a relative… Menahem: Madame Golde, please…. To teach me manners is like spitting against the wind…. Yes, I am here simply as a relative and reb Lazar simply as a neighbor. But G-d’s blessed you to have such a neighbor! He doesn’t remember being insulted! And he came here with an open heart and not with empty hands. Reb Lazar, would you say a couple words for the audience? Lazar: Well, what can I say… I am a simple man! Yes – yes! No – no! Like in a butcher shop! If you like it – take the best cut, if you don’t – take the rest… Menahem: Reb Lazar, don’t get carried away, move on to the gifts… Lazar: And so I thought – if Motel got so lucky, it means that
he was born with a spoon in his mouth, or, as we say here, already
dressed in a shirt. Motel: A sewing machine! Lazar: Yes, Motel. The real “Singer”. I won’t tell you how much it costs, otherwise you would feel sorry using it Golde: Reb Lazar, you are a real gentleman! Lazar: Yes, Golde. Not everyone in our village can be called that. Tevye: Lazar, If this is a stone thrown into my garden, I’d like to respond… Lazar: Reb Tevye, please…. I don’t need your words. I know their worth. Motel, take the machine! Tevye: Motel, return this machine immediately! I’d like to sort this out! Menahem: Enough said… This isn’t the end of the gifts yet. Golde: Oh my G-d! What is it? Menahem: A photographic camera, madam Golde. And it also costs a good hundred rubles… Golde: I’m losing my mind! Menahem: Not so fast, because actually reb Lazar bought this camera for himself. But the photos he’ll share, so you can have memories of this joyous occasion… Motel, pretend you are taking the machine from reb Lazar. Reb Lazar, pretend you are giving the machine to the groom and make a nice smile. Ready, …. Tevye: Lazar, I still want to explain… Lazar: Not now, reb Tevye. Please! I’m photographing… Tevye: No, let me talk. You know, Godle’s grandmother came from the better world… Lazar: Your granny was never a smart woman!!! Motel, take the machine! Tevye: Motel, don’t take it! So, you say granny was a stupid woman??? Tevye: Old? She was of your age! Menahem: Reb Lazar, this camera can’t take pictures back… Lazar: This is my camera! I’ll never set foot in this house!!! Menahem: Reb Lazar, just a moment, we’ll sort it out. Lazar: What’s there to sort out? We drank… He gave his word… And you are a witness! Menahem: Wait, we can still reach an agreement. Trust me, I’m a professional. Reb Tevye, have you promised to give your daughter to Lazar? Tevye: Yes, but then grandmother came… Menahem: That’s right. Let’s think what we can do so neither grandmother is offended nor Lazar is disappointed. You gave your eldest daughter to Motel! Best of luck to them. But you still have four more daughters… see what I am saying? The bride has gone, the groom is still here. Now Godel is up for marriage…. Perchik: I knew it. A rich man never spends a penny for no reason, only as investment. Motel, give the machine back! Menahem: Young man, I have nothing to say to you Perchik: But I do, you pimp! Rabbi: Quiet!!! Tevye: Rabbi, please say a wise word. Rabbi: First, let’s sit down. Tevye: That’s wise. Rabbi: Second… Relax your faces and make them pleasant to look at. Lazar: I am not photographing. Rabbi: What do photos have to do with this, Lazar? Do you think our faces need to be pleasant only for that little hole? Don’t you think our Main Photographer looks down at us from up above? Don’t you think his heart aches for us? People, let us give him some joy! Tevye: Rabbi’s right! Let’s give him some joy! Reb Lazar… If you feel like I have offended you – I am sorry. Please take my hand. Lazar: Tevye – I am a simple man… Menachem: Don’t start again, Lazar. Shake his hand… Lazar: If this is pleasant for G-d, why not? Menahem: Rabbi. Can I take a shot of this moment? Tevye, Lazar, please shake your hands one more time… Tevye: This wasn’t done for you, Menahem. Menahem: Of course, who would argue with that? Do you think such a small man like me can compete with G-d? But just in case… Tevye: Good day, Sir! Constable: I know this isn’t the right time. But what can I do? Tevye: Guests are always welcome here! Constable: I am not alone, Tevl. There are people to see you… The girl: We, the true patriots of Russia, say to you, evil tribe
– get out of our land! The bowl of people’s anger is full! Be afraid
if it spills over your heads! Perchik: Hey pick this up! The girl: Come on, come on, kick me, you dirty Jew… Stand up Christian people, protect me! Motel: Please, don’t do this! Constable: Enough! The girl: People’s anger is holy! Constable: I said: enough! I warned you, Tevel. See how things turned out. Well, I am sorry. Everybody, go home, otherwise your houses might be set on fire, G-d forbid. Tevye: Rabbi, you are a wise man, please answer: why does G-d need
to see this? Part 2 Scene 1 Tevye: It’s true what they say – “G-d works in mysterious ways”.
This snow storm alone is enough to prove it. Yes, it’s true, our
ancestors suffered walking across the desert, but at least they
weren’t freezing to death. My arms are numb, my legs are numb, only
my tongue still has enough strength to move around. Oh, Merciful
G-d, won’t you share some of your warmth with me? I am a milkman,
according to your will, not an ice cream man! The horse is limping,
the cows are screaming, Golde is sick… Don’t you think it’s all
too much for one man to bear? If the end of the world is coming,
then give me a sign… Send the Messiah! Let him guide us to the Kingdom
of Light. Menahem: Good evening, Reb Tevye! Tevye: Menahem? Is it you? And I thought that Messiah was walking across the field. But then I thought – if it’s Messiah, why isn’t he wearing a coat? Menahem: Oh, Reb Tevye, don’t remind me about the coat. An unfortunate incident. I took the train from Kiev. Across from me sat a good-looking man dressed in a coat. I naturally ask him – “Would you like to play a game of cards?” He says – “With pleasure!” Tevye: What happened next? Menahem: Well, to cut a long story short, took the weak hand twice, third time had to bet my coat away. Shall we go to the tavern? I need to talk to you about something important. Tevye: I can’t, Menahem, Golde is sick. Why don’t you come to my place? Menahem: I can’t. I’ve already been there. Tevye: What, matchmaking again? Menahem: Reb Tevye, it’s been half a year since I quit that business. You can’t marry everyone! I’m an insurance agent now. Accidents, fires, floods… Tevye: So you came to sell me insurance? Menahem: Reb Tevye, do I look like an idiot? What have you got that can burn? Fine. If you can’t go to the tavern, let’s talk here. I’ll start from the very beginning. Tevye: Don’t start from the beginning, Menahem, you’ll freeze to death before you’re done. Menahem: Listen, Reb Tevye, you’ve known me for a very long time. I am a modern man, but I try to stay away from politics. It’s not fit for a Jew to be in politics. But there I am, three weeks ago, walking across Kreschatik, when all of a sudden I see a huge crowd. A loud crowd it was, too. At the front of the crowd was a young man with a red flag. Guess who it was!! Perchik!! Tevye: Our Perchik? Menahem: Who else’s! I’m thinking “It’s not fit for a Jew to be waving a red flag on Kreschatik”… I was about to say that to him when all of a sudden the Cossacks came waving their swords! It was terrible! They grabbed me and took me in for questioning. “Who was carrying the flag?” “Where’s Perchik?” I am saying “Kind gentlemen, I don’t know anything. Yes, I am an agent, but only an insurance agent.” They didn’t listen. They beat me and threw me into a chamber. It wasn’t as freezing as here, but still cold. In two weeks they finally let me out. I decided to get out of Kiev. “To hell with your demonstrations,” I thought. “I’ll go to Anatovka and try to convince Lazar to buy flood insurance.” So I come to Anatovka, but Lazar isn’t here. I try to convince others to buy insurance but nobody wants to. They can’t believe that things could get any worse. “Let me stop at my relative’s,” I think to myself. “It’s freezing cold. Golde won’t mind feeding me a warm bowl of soup.” I walk up to the window, breathe on it to get a glimpse inside, and – guess what – he’s there!! Tevye: Who? Menahem: Perchik! Himself! Tevye: When did he get here? Menahem: I should be asking you that… Reb Tevye, they’re giving a good reward for him. Tevye: And you wanted?.. Menahem: Reb Tevye, do I look like a scoundrel? If I were trading human souls, I would be riding around in a carriage instead of standing here talking to you in the blistering cold. I simply thought – “I should let Tevye know. He doesn’t need any more grief. Perchik should get out of here before the Constable finds out.” That’s why I’ve been waiting for you here in the cold. If you can’t go to the tavern with me, can you at least lend me a couple of kopecks? Not a high price for being part of the Revolution. Tevye: Here... Just be careful – don’t spill the beans in the tavern when you are drunk. Menahem: Reb Tevye, you can’t get drunk with 2 kopecks… Tevye: Poor Menahem… He is looking for someone to insure when our whole life is one big accident…
Shprintze: Grab it! Grab it! Give me the oven prong! Oops! Tevye: What are you doing? Shprintze: The soup spilled. Tevye: I can see that! … Oh, damn it! Where’s your mother? Beylke: She went to get water. Tevye: What about your older sisters? Beylke: Chava went to the store, and Godel is taking a walk with a man. Tevye: What man? Perchik? Get dressed and bring them here immediately … I don’t believe this. A house full of women, but the man has to do the dirty work. Golde: What are you growling about? Tevye: I am growling because… Why did you get up? The doctor said to stay in bed! Golde: “The doctor said!” He charges too much for such advise. Golde: I’m feeling. Tevye: What’s your temperature? Golde: Better than outside… Tevye: Golde, you should have married a deaf mute. It would be easier for him to communicate with you. Golde: Perchik is here. Tevye: I know. What for? Golde: I don’t know. He said he’s here just to visit. Tevye: Nobody comes here from Kiev “just to visit”. And why did they go outside? Are they keeping secrets from you? Golde: Listen, Tevye, I think they’re serious about each other. He wrote her letters, and she wrote back… I think they’ve decided to get married. Tevye: “They’ve decided!” How do you like that! What’s this world coming to? At least Motel came to me and asked, “May I, Reb Tevye?” Now its “They’ve decided”. Golde: I thought you liked him. Tevye: I liked him as an educated person. At a distance. I’m perfectly capable of finding a groom for my daughter. And what are they going live on? He’s a student for G-d’s sake! Is he going to teach her French until they are old and I’ll pay? Fedor: Good evening! Golde: Hello, Fedya. Fedor: Is Chava here? Golde: No. She went to the store, and then she’s going to stop by her sister’s. Why? Fedor: I brought her some books that she had asked for… Should I leave them here? Golde: Sure. Tevye: Listen, young man, I’ve been meaning to talk to you for quite some time now. Why are you sharing a reading room with Chava? Don’t you have anyone else you can study with? Fedor: I am not sure I understand, Tevel Samuilovich. Tevye: My name is Reb Tevye, and yours is Fedor Ivanovich. There’s a big difference. We all live here together, work together, and may G-d bless us all. But some things we need to separate. You’re a mature man and you must understand that when YOUR people come to OUR wedding, nothing good comes out of it! Fedor: “My people” weren’t at your wedding, Reb Tevye. “My people” don’t take part in pogroms! Golde: You should be ashamed, Tevye! Why did you yell at him? They’ve been together since childhood… Tevye: Quiet!! Childhood is over! I am the only man in the house and G-d has ordered me to protect it. Golde: Don’t yell! I am shaking all over even without your yelling. Tevye: Lie down, Golde, take some pills. Golde: Don’t make me laugh! What pills are for mothers? Perchik: Good evening, Reb Tevye. May G-d bless your home. Tevye: Thank you for the kind words, Perchik. I’m very glad you came to visit. But, to be honest with you, I’m not sure I understand where you’ve found the time. Everyone else is working or studying at universities, while you seem to have the time to ride around from village to village. Godel: Father, that’s no way to treat a guest! Tevye: Don’t teach me manners, daughter! I know the tradition. Set the table, bring out the food, and let our honorable guest eat while he tells us how he is doing. So how are things, Perchik? Perchik: Things are not well, Reb Tevye. They’re putting me on trial. Tevye: Really? Well, I thank you for your honesty. So you, my dear friend, are a fugitive then, aren’t you? Not a bad pastime for an educated man. There’s just one thing that I fail to understand. Why did you come here with this news, saying “G-d bless your home”? Hasn’t this home had enough grief? The police are looking for you, aren’t they? Perchik: Don’t worry, Reb Tevye. They’ve already found me. Actually, I found them. I went to the Constable and told him everything. I decided – since they are giving a reward for me, I’d rather know that a fellow countryman got it. The Constable is a good person. He let me see you folks and say goodbye. That’s all the news. Tevye: Did you know about this? … Did you know about this?!! Golde: What difference does it make? Better worry about what we’re going to do now. Tevye: What are we going to do? Why, we don’t need to do anything. Let’s feed the young man, give him food for the road, and that’s it. “Adieu”… Isn’t that how you say it in French, Perchik? Godel: I’m going with him. Tevye: I am an old man, daughter, and hard of hearing. So don’t say stupid things because I won’t hear them anyway. Godel: I’m going with him. Golde: Where, daughter? Godel: Wherever he goes. Across the world, to Siberia. Father, he isn’t suffering for himself, but for all of us! Tevye: My, my, my! What a kindhearted man he is, the tobacco man’s son. Trying to make the world a better place. But what does he start with? Taking a daughter away from her poor father! From her sisters, from her home, from her sick mother! Perchik: That’s not exactly it, Reb Tevye. I don’t want her to come with me. Godel: You see, father, he doesn’t want me to come! Please convince him, I’m begging you! Tevye: Have you lost your mind?! You want me to convince him to take my daughter to Siberia?! … Wait a minute. Why don’t you want to take her? Does she not mean much to you? Perchik: I love her, Reb Tevye. Very much. That’s why I don’t want her to go. It’s going to be tough there. . Godel: It won’t be tough if we’re together. If I stay here alone, I’ll die! Tevye: Bite your tongue! … Why don’t you say something, Golde? Golde: What can I say? She’s just as stubborn as you are. She won’t listen to me… Here, I put together some warm clothes for you. Godel: Thank you, mom. Tevye: My Godel… The most quiet and obedient one … Oh, dear G-d… Doesn’t the Torah say… Wait a minute… They’re not married yet! Perchik! Are there Rabbis in Siberia? Perchik: Of course! How can it be that there’s no Rabbis in Siberia!. They can be exiled just like everyone else. Golde: Of course, Tevye. Don’t worry. Someone will marry them. Tevye: Come in, sir. Constable: There’s no time to come in, Tevel, it’s time to go. Are you ready, Mr. Student? Perchik: Yes, Mr. Constable. Golde: Wait, you haven’t had dinner yet. Let me get something together for the road. Constable: My wife packed me some food… Eggs, lard… We’ll survive. I’m going to take them all the way to Kiev. If they go with switchovers, they’ll freeze to death. I have a sturdy horse, plus I’ve got a warm sheepskin coat. Tevye: Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. Constable: No need to thank me, it’s my duty. Shall we sit down before we hit the road, or is this not part of your traditions? Tevye: It is. Perchik: It’s time. Don’t worry about your daughter, Reb Tevye. Everything will be alright. Tevye: Can’t get any better than this. Constable: Oh, Tevel… I have a bad feeling about all this. When am I going to come to you for milk again instead of tears? Tevye: Why aren’t you crying, Golde? Golde: It’s almost Shabbat, Tevye. It’s bad luck to cry on Shabbat. Tevye: You’re right. Let’s get ready for Shabbat. It’s time for me to pray. Chava: Where’s Godel? Golde: I’ll tell you later. Set the table for Shabbat. Chava: Father! Why did you insult Fedor? Tevye: I’m praying, daughter. Chava: No, tell me! Fedor is a kind and wonderful man! What did he do to offend you?! Tevye: Chava, I don’t have the strength to talk about Fedor now. I told him to stay away from us. Chava: Why?! Tevye: Because that’s how it’s always been. There are Jews, and there are non-Jews. Chava: What if its us who divide the world as we see fit?! Tevye: Daughter, this is not the time to discuss this. Set the table for Shabbat. Chava: I’m not going to celebrate your Sabbath!!! Tevye: Did you hear what she said?! Did you hear?!!
Tevye: Hello Father. Priest: Oh, hello Tevel. Come in. Glad to see you. Tevye: Thank you for the kind words. I need to talk to you, Father. Should I wait outside? Priest: Why? It’s cold outside. Let’s talk here. The Church is open to everyone. Just take off your hat… There you go. So what did you want to talk to me about? Tevye: You’re a wise man, Father. I’m sure you already know why I’m here. But, since you ask, I’ll tell you. I’m looking for my daughter. I heard that she was here. Priest: You heard right. She is here. But you need not to worry. Your daughter is alive and well, and, dare I say, happy. Don’t know if I brought you joy with such news… Tevye: Of course you brought me joy, Father. children’s happiness is parents happiness. But I doubt that she’s truly happy, away from her home, knowing that her mother and father don’t sleep at night. Priest: What can we do, Tevel. Doesn’t the Bible say “ A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together”? All in due time. Your daughter is in love with a good man, and he loves her too. They want to get married. Tevye: The news just gets better and better. I see you’ve decided to thrill me to death. How are they going to get married? According to our laws or yours? Priest: According to the laws of the Lord, Tevel. There is only one G-d. Doesn’t it say in the Gospel “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Tevye: I won’t argue. I didn’t study the New Testament, but the
Old one I know quite well. And it says “ (Imposible to pronounce)
“If a woman gives a vow and her father forbids her, then she is
free of such oath and the Lord shall forgive her because her father
disallowed her Tevye: Oh, Father! Your word is beautiful, but I doubt you believe in it’s simplicity ? A man doesn’t decide his own fate? Doesn’t every man have a father and a grandfather, who explain to him who he is in his childhood? Priest: And who are you? Tevye: I am a Russian man of Jewish descent and Judaic religion. That is my trinity! And I will not reject any of it – neither my homeland, nor the beliefs of my ancestors. You said yourself that there’s only one G-d, that’s true, but there’s more than one path to Him. Priest: What can I say, Tevel… I understand you with my mind and pity you with my heart. But since you chose this path, don’t complain about the bumps and potholes. I’m not hiding your daughter from you. You are the one who’s placing the distance between you two. Christina, come to us! Tevye: What did he call you? Chava: Father, listen to me! I beg you! Tevye: Wait! What did he call you? Chava: Don’t reject me, father! Please! Listen to me! For the Christ’s sake! Tevye: I don’t have a G-d by that name, miss. And I don’t have a daughter named Christina. I had a daughter named Chava. She was such a wonderful daughter… And I loved her more than anything in the world… Chava: I love you too, father! And I love him… Fedor. How can I make this work? Please, tell me! Tevye: I don’t know, miss. That’s for you to worry about. I’ve got enough worries of my own. My daughter has passed away. I need to mourn her death. Chava: But this is cruel, father! What kind of G-d do you worship that orders you to kill you own daughter?!! Tevye: Be quiet. Leave me alone, miss. You don’t have a dad, you have a Father now. Chava: G-d bless you, dad!
Stepan: Hey, anyone alive in here? Golde!!! Golde: Keep it down. Stepan: You’re alive? Then don’t scare me. I brought some fire wood. We’ll burn it, and it’ll brighten up your mood. Golde: Thank you, Stepan. Stepan: Ah, don’t mention it… You know what they say, a neighbor is like family. And you, Golde, umm… get well.. don’t die, ok? Dying in this kind of weather brings too many troubles. The ground is frozen. At least wait till spring! Golde: I’m hoping for at least a week. You know Tzietel is expecting. Who will deliver the baby without me? I should be with her now, but my legs can’t move. Stepan: That’s bad. One needs legs. But your arms are ok? Chant for yourself. Golde: I can’t do it to myself. One can only pass energy to another person, not to himself. Stepan: Well, let me try. What is it you whisper? Shurum-burum… a zohen vei… Golde: Don’t be silly, Stepan. Alright, I think I’m better now. Thanks. If you want, there is a decanter in the bar. Stepan: I won’t refuse …. Would you like some? Golde: No, I don’t want it. Stepan: Go ahead! A glass of spirits is a cure for all diseases. Here’s to your health! Golde: No, I can’t. My body’s not taking it. Stepan: Hmm, seems pretty bad. So, where is Tevl’? Golde: He went to get the doctor. Terrible snowstorm... It’s torture for the horse. Stepan: Don’t pity the horse. It’ll get warm from running. Golde: And the cows are screaming in the barn. How many times did I ask you to fix the walls? Are you a carpenter or what? Stepan: I don’t have time for everything. Golde: And another thing, Stepan. Could you go to Chava, and see how she’s doing? Stepan: Oh no! Don’t even ask! Tevl’ strictly prohibited me to do that. She is a separate slice of pie now. Golde: You don’t have a heart. Stepan: No, he’s right. I don’t like converts either. Everyone should keep to their own faith. If you’re an outsider – be enduring. Golde: Easy for you to say… Stepan: Why’s it easy? How do you know? Maybe in my younger years I wanted to marry you, Golde. But I didn’t. Because they wouldn’t allow you to marry me, and it would be silly for me to get circumcised. So, it appears that I suffered as an outsider… I think they’re here… Yep. Tevl’ and the doctor. No coat. Must’ve been in a hurry. Tevye: He didn’t want to go, son of a gun. I kneeled, I prayed… No! He said, when it gets warmer, then I’ll come. As if I need him when it’s warmer. But on the bright side… I was going through Kasrilovka – and ran into Menahem. It turns out he has the latest medicine. From America. Menahem: Good evening, madam Golde. I am not a specialist, of course, but if its “influenza “, as reb Tevye told me… Tevye: That’s what the doctor said. Menahem: Well, the important thing is that you repeat correctly. Ok, if its influenza, then this medicine is a miracle. They sent it to my mother-in-law from America, God bless her soul. Golde: Did she die from them? Menahem: Your tongue, Golde, is still sharp as a knife. That’s good! But these pills, I guarantee you… Look at the box. They wouldn’t put crap in such a box. Here it says: fast relief. They’re just not intended for our postal system. By the time they get to a patient, the patient has passed… But my mother takes them with tea, and thank G-d, no problems. And at my mother’s age even tea is not recommended. Golde: Thank you, Menahem! I knew you had a big heart. Eat something. Tevye, there is a bowl of milk borsht, treat Menahem. Menahem: Thanks, but that’s not why I came. Golde, let’s go to Berditchev… To the hospital. I have some connections there… Golde: Don’t be silly! How can I go if I can’t even walk. Eat! And you Tevye, why don’t you go to the barn with Stepan. The cows are crying, can’t you hear? Tevye: That’s the wind. Golde: Wind can’t be that miserable. The wind isn’t the one that’s freezing to death. Stepan: Let’s go, Tevl’. They need to talk… Golde: Smart guy. I always knew you were clever, Stepan. Menahem: Your borsht, Golde, is something else! I always wanted to propose, why don’t we open a Jewish restaurant in the city? You’ll be in the kitchen, Tevye – at the register, and I will take care of advertisement. I have such an appetite, that when I eat everybody gets so hungry. Golde: My time in the kitchen is over Menahem. Menahem: Golde, don’t say that. I am not a specialist of course, but these pills… Golde: Be quiet, Menahem! Eat and be quiet. Let’s just say you cheered me up. Now listen. It’s time to take care of things… Take your mother and move here to the village. Closer to the family... Get busy. You couldn’t find anybody for my older three daughters, but I leave my youngest, Bielke and Shprintze in your hands. Please find them men who are worthy! So that I will be finally happy up there… Menahem: I actually quit matchmaking. But for you, Golde, I will do my best. In fact, I know a couple of students… Golde: No students. Look in the yeshiva. Look for them in a village, so that they’re quiet, hard-working… And another thing! After a year or two find somebody for Tevye… Menahem: Golde, please… Golde: Don’t say a word! That’s what I want! Tevye is not going to like this, but tell him: such is the will of Golde’s. The children will leave, and who will cook dinner? He’s like a child himself. Find someone modest, gentle… Tevye doesn’t like to be interrupted. And she has to cook milk borsht… Why do you think I’m treating you now, so that you can remember the taste. Menahem: You’re breaking my heart, Golde… But you know what, I envy you. Your generation knows how to die. Ours is not the same any more. Dying like moth on a candle… Motel: Mom! Tzietel began to… Mom, what to do? She’s screaming! Golde: Quiet, Motel, calm down… Its common to scream during childbirth, it’s easier that way! Menahem, go get Tevye! Fast! Everything will be fine. Tzietel is my daughter, she will handle it… Just make some warm water. And take that bundle in the corner. Sheets, blankets, I prepared everything. Most of all – stay strong. Don’t lose conscience. She doesn’t have time to take care of you now… Tevye: Golde, what do I do? Where do we take her? Golde: Where are you going to take her in such weather? Go to her! You will do everything yourself. Tevye: Golde, honey, I won’t be able to! Golde: You will, Tevye, you will… It’s not hard. How many times did we deliver calves? It’s the same with people. All life is born the same way. I will help you from here. Tell Tzietel, I’m helping! Let her listen! Well? Run…And you, Menahem! Hurry up! Menahem: Madame Golde, I would stay. I don’t know much about this business. Golde: Everybody out! I need to be alone! Well? Come on, my little girl, concentrate! It’s not scary! I did this thing five times, and it was fine… Push, push! Clench your teeth! God made us suffer when giving birth! Alright! Good! Some more! Stop! Now rest a little, breathe! Think of something pleasant. Our house, the river. Remember when we were swimming at night? The water was warm. And the moonlight reflected in the water. Enter it, enter… It’s nice to swim, isn’t it? Swim, swim, my daughter… And now dive in! Take a deep breath and dive in! There! Deeper! Deeper! And now – swim up! Now! Go! Again, again! And you, granddaughter, swim out! I know you’re a girl, I can feel it! Come on, Golde! They will name you Golde! Golde is a lucky name, a golden name… Well? Let’s do it, girls! Swim out! One more time, again! Dear G-d, help them! Take my soul, give it to them! Alright! Thank you…Everything’s well… Now it’s time to rest. Rest…
Tevye: So, Golde, here come the warm days! First spring of your life. Look! Up there is the sky. G-d lives there. Down here is the earth. We live here. Over there is a big tree called the oak. My father planted it when I was born. It’s getting old already but still stands, props up the fence. And next to it I will plant a birch, in your honor. As soon as the snow melts, I’ll plant it. You will grow together, racing each other. Well, what else? Over there is a field. The flowers bloom there in summer time… And its possible that some day our Messiah is going to come from there. I will not live to see him but you very well might. Constable: Hello Tevel. Tevye: How do you do, Sir? See, as always: you wait for Messiah but instead comes the Constable. Remember that. Constable: Your granddaughter? Let me look at her. Nice! Take her inside the house. We need to talk. Tevye: What kind of talk is it so even a baby would understand? Constable: Don’t you see, Tevel, I’m drunk. Very drunk. Tevye: Its OK, Sir. You used to drink from happiness. Constable: That was before, Tevel. Now it’s a different story. Tell me, my friend, how many days do you need to sell your house and belongings? Tevye: I don’t understand, Sir. I’m a milkman and don’t deal with real estate. I guess, you are indeed very drunk. Constable: I am drunk because I don’t want to get distracted on bullshit. Tell me: are three days enough? Or five? You been evicted from the village…. Tevye: By whom? Constable: Of course not by me. Provincial authorities have decided. Take the baby away before you drop her. Tevye: Don’t worry, Sir. I’m a well-built guy. Constable: Please, take her away, seriously. I am not a villain to tell such things in front of a baby Tevye: Tzietel! Take the baby… And you, Motel, stay. It concerns him as well, doesn’t it? Constable: It concerns everyone… So, anyway. An order came from the authorities. Read this! Tevye: No, you read this, Sir. It has an official seal. Constable: Seal, the imperial double-headed eagle… you can’t argue with that. “An addendum to the statute of resettlement of Jewish part of population, according to the resolution concerning the rules of residence…” Tevye: Wait, wait, Sir. Please don’t bang on my head. Explain it in simple language. Who? What? Constable: You! You people are evicted from the villages. Tevye: To where? Constable: Into the pale of settlement. Tevye: And where are we now? Constable: Now we’re on the other side. Our Anatovka, Mahepovka, Kasrilovka – all are outside the pale now. Rabbi: Good day, Sir. Constable: Wait, folks. Go home. I will stop by everyone. Lazar: How can we sit at home, Sir, when bad news comes and jumps across the fence? Please explain to us what’s going on. Tevye, tell us so we can understand Tevye: Which part can’t you understand, Lazar? It’s so simple. Here came Mr. Constable to tell me that I, as it turns out, used to live here illegally. And my grandfathers and my grand-grandfathers all lie in their graves illegally. Because there is – the pale! Mr. Constable drew a line across the land with his sword and said: you can live here, but you can’t live there! Constable: Tevel, watch what you’re saying. Don’t agitate people with no purpose authorities made the decision, not me. I have an order – expel in 24 hours. But I want to be humane… I’m giving you 3 days so you can dispose of your house and business in an orderly way. Lazar: Three days? How can one possibly sell a business in just 3 days? Motel: And a house? Garden? We’re not going anywhere. We’ll defend ourselves! Eye for an eye! We will fight! Constable: Quiet! Who are you going to fight with? The military force? You can’t fight an army with bare hands. Tevye: Well, sir, we’re poor people but not naked… We have some stuff… Constable: Drop it, Tevye! Don’t be a fool! Tevye: Sir, I always thought of you as a smart man. Please advise me! Here is an oak. My father planted it, I was growing it… How can I take it with me? I can’t dig out the roots, and it won’t take to new soil. What should I do? Cut it? Constable: I don’t know, Tevye. If you want to – cut it, if you don’t – don’t. It’s none of my business. Tevye: Oh no, Sir! You are the authority here and don’t expect any compassion. You can down a whole barrel of vodka, but you can’t silence your conscience. Therefore see this! I am cutting this oak, so you can always come here, sit on the stub, and take a break from your noble deeds! Rabbi: That’s a sin, Tevye! G-d will punish for such sins! Tevye: Punish me? Are there any punishments that I didn’t suffer from yet? Everything was taken away: my wife, daughters, home, and now even my land… Why does a tree need to live if there are no more leaves and branches? Do you know, Rabbi? You don’t? And I don’t know! I am afraid He does not know either. And there is no need for the tree to live! Constable: The handle is… rotten…. Well, folks, what’s there to regret? What did it give you, our village? A little dust and an empty pot. It’s not going to get worse for you, wherever you are exiled. So good bye, folks. Please don’t keep anger in your heart. It’s easier to leave without much to carry. Motel: He’s right… Do we really need 3 days? What are we going to pack for 3 days? Rabbi: It’s easy for you, Motel. But Reb Lazar has his business. Lazar: What kind of business is it with no customers? It is a joke,
not a business. Motel: But we were born here. Lazar: So what? Why? I don’t even know if it’s good for a poor man to be born. What do you think, Rabbi? Rabbi: Its better not to be born. But not everybody is so lucky. Motel: Rabbi said a wise word. And now tell us: where should we go? Rabbi: When G-d told to our forefather Abraham “Leave you land”, did he ask where to? Lazar: That means anywhere. I understand. And what are you going to say, reb Tevye? Tevye: I’m not going to say anything. All has been said. We’re going to bid farewell silently. Scene 6 Fedor: Hello, uncle Stepan. Stepan: Hello. Fedor: Where’s the owner? Stepan: Here. Fedor: Where? Stepan: Who? Fedor: Tevel. Stepan: Tevel’s at the cemetery, with his daughters. Fedor: But you said “here” Stepan: But you asked about the owner, didn’t you? Fedor: You bought the house?.. What do you need a second house for? Stepan: Might come in handy some day. Fedor: How much did you pay? Stepan: I paid as agreed. What’s your business? Are you shopping around too? Fedor: No, I don’t profit from other’s misfortunes. Stepan: Watch your mouth! “Don’t profit”. First they ruin the home then later regret it… Go away, kid. I don’t have time for you Fedor: I need to talk to Tevel Stepan: He won’t talk to you Fedor: How do you know? Stepan: He’s not talking to anyone. He gave an oath, you know Fedor: No, I don’t understand. Chava! Stepan: He wouldn’t talk to her even more so. Chava: Hello, uncle Stepan Stepan: You’re wasting your time kids. Tevye doesn’t talk. He’s silent for the second day now. He gave an oath. There’s no point in talking, he said, G-d doesn’t hear our words. And then he went silent . Chava: We’re going to wait anyway. Stepan: It’s up to you… Fedor: If you bought the house, why are you boarding the windows up? Stepan: Maybe I enjoy sitting in the dark. Well, why don’t you go to the train station? It is easier to say good-bye there Chava: We’re not here to say good-bye. We want to go with them. Stepan: They don’t even know where they’re going to live. Fedor: So we’re going to live there, nearby. Stepan: You guys are entertaining, you know that? OK, hide inside the house for now. I need to prepare the old man, his heart isn’t made of steel. Stepan: See… I caulked the walls, Tevel? You don’t even need to heat it. Maybe when you get back it’ll be warm… Tzietel: Thanks, uncle Stepan. Also, please look after the grave? Stepan: Of course. I will never separate from Golde? While I’m alive I’m with her. And after that… I think, Tevel, it is only here, in this world, people go to different cemeteries. But THERE – we’re all going to be together?! Right, Tevel? Its stupid for people to stay apart … Golde understood that well. Tzietel: Shprintze, Bielke, let’s go. Let’s sweep the floor Stepan: Why? We can do it ourselves. Tzietel: No, we must do it. We have to leave the floors clean. It’s a tradition. Stepan: Tzietel, you have visitors in there. Don’t let them come out without me. He might curse them silently, which is even worse. I sold the rest of the livestock… The chickens and the horse… Couldn’t
get a good price for the horse. The cabman sneered at her. The waterman
grumbled: “Look at her! Is this a horse? She has no teeth!” I said:
“You fool! It’s easier to feed without teeth”. That’s the only way
I could persuade him. Tzietel: Hello, reb Lazar. Lazar: Good day, Tzietel. Although, what’s good about it? We say this out of habit. Anyway, I stopped by to say good-bye. Tzietel: I’ll call my father. Lazar: Please don’t… He’s silent. I don’t like silence. I’m a simple man. I like to hear a good word. I’ll talk to you, Tzietel!… I’m going to America. Tzietel: Good luck, Lazar. Lazar: There’s a city called New York there. Its big, even bigger then Kiev. Ever hear of it? Tzietel: Yes. I heard it’s nice there. Lazar: It’s only nice where we aren’t, but since we’re everywhere, which place is nice? Anyway, where are you going? Tzietel: We are going to Berdichev, to our relatives Lazar: Whom do you have over there? Tzietel: Menahem and his mom. Lazar: With such relatives a letter once in a while is more than plenty. Tzietel: Please don’t, reb Lazar. Lazar: Tzietel, I’m a simple man! It’s not a donation or a loan. I’m buying your cow… the brown cow. We had an agreement with Tevye… Tzietel: She’s been sold. Lazar: Doesn’t matter, you can buy another one, for me! When in America, it’ll be nice to know that my brown cow is grazing somewhere far away. Please, don’t upset me! Tzietel: Thanks. Lazar: And one more thing, Tzietel. Please take my photo, as a keepsake. It has some poetry written on the back. It’s good, not mine, but still good. Tzietel: Thank you, reb Lazar. May I kiss you? Lazar: If you’re not disgusted, why not? Motel: Hello, Lazar. Lazar: Hello, Motel. Don’t think anything of this. Motel: I don’t think anything. Kiss away. Lazar: Easy, young man! Don’t tease the elderly. We’re still very able of doing things. I’m going to America. Do you know where it is? Motel: Far away Lazar: Yes, on the other side of the Earth. Better to go after death, it’d be a shorter trip by six feet. But what can I do? Good-bye! Tzietel: Good-bye, reb Lazar Lazar: Oy-vey, is there any need to hear Lazar from Anatovka saying “Good-bye” in English? Motel: Don’t stare at him. Tzietel: Are you jealous? Motel: If you want me to be, then yes. But, to tell you the truth, I don’t have time for that. The train leaves at 4 o’clock Tzietel: What time’s it now? Motel: 3 o’clock. You know, Tzietel, I fixed the clock, it works now. Even the bird jumps out. Funny, isn’t it? Tzietel: Put it back, Motel. Don’t tease the people. Motel: No, let it move. We’re moving and time’s moving. Stepan: Yosele, be a good man. Play for the last time. We need to make peace between a father and his daughter. It’s a noble thing to do. Tzietel, call Chava. Tzietel: What’s your plan, uncle Stepan? Stepan: Call her, would you? Seems to be talking. Tzietel: Who? Stepan: Not the horse of course…Let’s go, Chava. Go in. If not now then never. Last chance. Motel: How’s it going? Stepan: Good, no screaming. Keep playing, Yosele. Keep playing, my dear. Play like you’re tearing up a soul… Yes, Yes! More! Give it all! And now you go in, Fedya. Go in! Don’t be scared! And now everybody else! Come together as a family! They’re hugging each other, crying. Everything like it should be. What, you think I don’t know how to deal with Jews? Oh, man! Menahem: Look, mama! They’re greeting us with music. Remember what I said? Mom: Is today a holiday? Menahem: It’s a village, mama… It’s always a holiday here. Can you feel the air? Pure oxygen… Breathe, mama, breathe. Mom: Trains make me so dizzy. Menahem: Mama, we’re not on a train anymore. We have arrived. Pay
attention, mama… Mom: Who’s that? Menahem: Stepan. Mom: Stepan. Rare name. Menahem: It’s not rare here. It’s a village! Pay attention, mama… Menahem: Hello, reb Tevye! So, here we are! Reb Tevye, I have a feeling that you’re not completely glad to see us. Have you received my telegram? Motel: Yes. Menahem: And? Motel: What do you mean “and”? Here it is, your telegram. It says: “WELCOME TO STAY. MENAHEM AND MAMA” Menahem: No, not “WELCOME”, but “WE WILL COME” Motel: It’s printed here: “WELCOME” Menahem: I don’t know what’s there but I know what I wrote. And besides, I got your reply. “Thanks! Will never forget it” Motel: So… Menahem: What do you mean “so”? Motel: Menahem, are you in your right mind? What is the “Thanks” for? Menahem: What for? For our coming Tevye: My Lord, and you want me to stay silent? Stepan: Wow,… Can’t get bored with you. Mom: Trains make me so dizzy… Why are you laughing, Tevye? Why all laughter? Tevye: What else do we have left in this life, Berta? What else?
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