NOTICE OF THE PASSING OF MENACHEM FLEISCHMAN
BUTCHER SHOP FLEISCHMAN
EMPLOYEE WANTED
Can I use the telephone?
I'm currently in Jerusalem. You don't answer.
I'll call back later.
Everything okay?
Young man!
Yes.
You're not from around here.
I'm attending a yeshiva (talmudic school)
That's good. Which one?
''The Wisdom of Menachem''.
Are you sure? I think that yeshiva doesn't exist anymore.
I'm looking for a yeshiva.
You're looking...
You can wait here for as long as it rains.
Thanks.
Blessed art Thou the Eternal, Lord of the Universe...
Are you looking for an employee?
Why?
I'm looking for work.
Have you ever worked at a butcher's before?
No.
I have enrolled students at a yeshiva.
That's right. Here it's different.
I know.
Do you have a place to stay?
I can find lodgings with a friend.
The friend who isn't answering?
He'll answer.
Go back home. There's nothing here for you.
I'll manage.
Coming back is not so easy.
What are you doing?
Leave it!
I came for you.
I have nowhere else to go.
Talk to me!
I don't believe you.
And He, the Eternal Halleluja.
Magnified and sanctified be His name.
...may His Kingdom be proclaimed
during our days and the living in the House of Israel
at a near time, and all say ''Amen''.
You're still looking for work?
Have you eaten? Are you hungry?
Shall we go study this evening?
My father, may he rest in peace, rested here.
Let's go downstairs, there's work to do.
And you?
A young man must study and pray.
Rest and idleness bring tedium. And tedium...
...it brings craziness.
You can sleep here till you find a yeshiva.
You will have everything you need to study.
This way.
Papa.
Good evening.
Jacob.
Take these books and put them in order.
Good evening.
- Hand me the kashered ones. - What?
The kashered chickens.
Answer me!
What happened?
Nothing. Sorry.
Leave it.
What is this?
Leave it, it's not...
You can look.
Was it you who drew them?
- They're just scrawls. - Scrawls.
Have you ever had drawing lessons?
In a way. I taught myself.
I can draw you, if you like.
I'll go out for a bit.
Where are you going?
Can I?
Ephraïm.
- How are you? - Fine.
- You're doing well?? - Very well.
- Now you have a place to stay. - Yes.
- If you want... - Don't do this here.
What does the Talmud say on ''he who atones''?
He who has sinned against the soul atones through sacrifice.
A man who fasts is called a sinner.
A righteous man who imposes a fast upon himself
and bereaves himself of wine.
Must one call him a sinner?
Should he make a sacrifice?
Why?
What is the literal meaning?
G-d doesn't want men to inflict pain upon themselves.
He wants them to enjoy life.
Moreover, why has He created the world?
To do good.
For us to do good.
Rabbi, that doesn't...
that doesn't satisfy me.
The ascetic must make a sacrifice because he denied the challenge.
To be a servant of G-d is a daily struggle.
One must love the hardships, love to overcome them.
To serve G-d implies that.
To love the hardships.
Thank you.
Where are you going?
To take a ritual bath, outside of the city.
You're not coming to dinner on Shabbat?
Would you like me to come?
Yes.
Come to the spring then.
I can't. I promised Rivka to help.
For how many years haven't you left Jerusalem?
Coming?
Come on, immerse yourself.
Is the water fine?
Freezing.
The water is fine.
Papa has arrived!
Papa, what's wrong?
Jacob, bring the glasses.
Like a foretaste of Paradise
The Shabbat is meant for rest
All those who enjoy it benefit with great joy
The trials before the coming of the Messiah save us
Our liberation shall come, suffering and pain will disappear
Have you seen me?
Yes, I have.
Where have you studied?
At ''Or Vachesed'' in Safed.
See there...
It's delicious.
Give me a little piece.
Aaron eats too little meat...
- A little piece. - Eat what you like.
It's too much.
Take a little.
I had plenty already, this is enough.
Jacob, eat.
Take a larger piece.
If you don't, you won't grow.
Mama, I don't like that.
All your mother's dishes are delicious.
Charming family.
Thanks.
What are you doing in Jerusalem?
I study and I economize.
Where do you live?
At the butcher shop.
In the spare room?
It's temporary.
Do you have any family here?
No.
Marriage plans?
For the time being, I study.
It will happen, G-d willing.
If you need anything,
don't hesitate.
Cut it into small pieces.
- This? - Yes.
Into little pieces.
Never cross the arms. Cut against the slab.
With strength, like this.
Why are you smiling? Have you ever seen a butcher smiling?
The knife is your tool. Respect it.
This piece also has to be ground.
I'll do it.
No, you can't do it alone. I'll help you.
Hold it tight.
Good day to you.
Good day to you!
Good day.
They are waiting for us, Aaron.
They are waiting for us...
All this for me?
Here, this is for you.
Ah, my meat.
Go by yourself. I'm busy.
I can't drive.
I'm busy.
This soup kitchen is really far away.
It's alright, Aaron.
Go along. I'll finish by myself.
Are you going to put on a band aid?
- He's from Safed. - Who?
Ezri. Your employee.
I know. He studied at ''Or Vachesed''.
I know. They chased him away from there.
Why?
He managed to do too many good deeds.
Discharge him.
What about some charity and mutual aid?
My father hired him and it's his butcher shop.
He's starting over with me.
Your father hired him?
Are you sure?
I'm starting over with him.
What?
You don't know him.
They say things about him. I worry about you.
Okay.
I don't know what you've heard or what they say.
Sure you are an erudite, but despite all your experience
you don't know this thing.
G-d has created Ezri and G-d lets Ezri live.
And only Ezri can serve G-d in his way.
Look at this layabout.
Israël Fisher.
He has been seen with the daughter of Mordechaï, Sarah.
Another one causing trouble.
What are you doing here?
What are you doing here??
Do these surroundings inspire you?
Sometimes.
I didn't want to disturb you. Keep drawing.
I've only been scrawling. You're not disturbing me.
Continue.
Do you want to draw my portrait?
Sit down.
Take your hat off.
Relax.
Relax your face as well.
So, why did you come?
Were you looking for me?
No. I forgot something in the butcher shop.
Hold yourself back.
We have the chance to elevate ourselves,
to overcome...
to fulfill our mission in this shallow world.
This ordeal would not exist if it could not be overcome.
Why has G-d created desire?
For the purification of the soul.
We have a mission.
G-d did not make faulty creations.
The ''fault'' does not exist!
Look at this beauty,
this complexity!
You are a masterpiece!
The challenge a man must overcome is himself.
This is ours. And we will succeed.
No ordinary man could understand this.
Today I went to the ritual bath.
Help me.
Aaron?
What?
Can you help me with the meat?
Come.
Turn around.
Careful.
A bit more.
Rise up.
Help me.
Through here.
Have you finished?
In a moment.
Okay?
Very good.
Why so serious? Smile, we're done.
Smile!
Okay?
Are you hungry?
I'm hungry.
So, let's eat something.
Haven't you eaten already?
No. I was waiting for you.
Do you have a lot of work?
Thanks to G-d.
That's good, isn't it?
Yes.
I met Rabbin Weizman
who is overjoyed that the butcher shop has reopened.
What's the matter?
Nothing.
It's good we're open for the holidays.
Magnified and sanctified be His name
...may His Kingdom be proclaimed
during our days and the living in the House of Israel
at a near time, and all say ''Amen''.
Amen.
He's still seeing Sarah.
Who?
Israël Fisher.
The boy I showed you.
Look at his father. The man is suffering.
It's hard to find a groom for Sarah.
How are you, Sarah?
Quite well, thanks to G-d. Is my order ready?
Yes. Right away.
Papa!
Don't run around here. You know that.
Papa, I have to go to the toilet.
Here you are.
Thanks. How much is it?
You can pay next time.
Get out of here. You have no right to be here.
Get out!
I want to pay.
Mince the meat.
You want to pay. Okay...
90 shekels, if you please
Is my meat ready?
The chicken legs...
- Papa, the toilet... - Stop!
It's raining.
And if you come back earlier this evening?
I'll try.
Till later.
Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
G-d has promised the righteous
to sit with Him in Paradise all in the same circle.
So it is written in the Talmud,
it is not only for the righteous.
This promise is valid for each one of us.
How so?
Even the ignorants of Israël
have accomplished numerous good deeds.
We are all righteous. Even the sinners.
If one doesn't rise above a challenge,
one must continue to aspire to be good.
He who has succumbed to sin need not fall into despair.
For G-d will offer him a new challenge.
When he overcomes this,
even in spite of past transgressions it will still count for merit.
The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver
How did I get here?
Blessed art Thou, the Eternal, Master of the Universe,
who brings forth bread from the earth.
Bon appétit.
It's delicious.
HE HAS BEEN LAID TO REST MENACHEM FLEISCHMAN
BLESSED BE HIS MEMORY
MAY HIS SOUL BE GUARDED AMONG THE LIVING
Hold yourself well.
Hello.
Listen, Aaron.
The guy who is working for you has nothing to do do here.
What is that supposed to mean?
All this will end badly.
People talk.
He makes people leave the right path.
Patron,
don't introduce him to our homes
don't welcome him to our synagogue
nor in our neighbourhood.
Ezri!
I overslept.
Do you know what time it is?
Why didn't you wake me?
CERTIFIED KOSHER BUTCHER SHOP
CLOSED
These news make us angry
because of hateful crimes committed in our quarter
by criminals.
A terrible disaster threathens the believers
who had suffered wanting to help.
We draw you attention to an evil that has arisen amongst us.
Wicked people are walking about
and they would pass as pious ones...
Hello, Sarah. How are you?
Fine, thanks to G-d.
Have you seen Aaron?
No, sorry. Isn't he at the butcher shop?
It's closed.
I haven't seen him.
- You haven't seen him this morning? - No.
... and that He may bring peace. Blessings and achievements...
Jacob!
- What happened to you? - May G-d protect you.
How was your day?
I had a lot of work.
What is it?
Everything is fine, Rivka. It's all in your head.
Hello.
Aaron isn't here?
No.
That's a good sign.
Sorry?
If he left you alone, that's a good sign.
I would like some shoulder, please.
Certainly.
Could I have a larger piece?
It's fresh, isn't it?
Yes, it's from yesterday.
I'll take all of it.
Could you clean it up for me?
Thanks.
You have learnt to do it the way it should be done.
Thanks.
It must be hard to be alone.
Come to dinner this evening.
May a great peace come down from Heaven...
and everybody say ''Amen''.
Amen.
He who has established peace in the Heavens shall establish it amongst us
and above the people of Israel.
Amen.
I'll talk to him but come with us.
Go there without me.
He's become mad.
- Who? - Mordechaï.
It's enough.
I need you to come, Aaron. For Sarah.
I have my own troubles. This is not a good time.
Precisely, now is the ideal moment.
Papa, don't go there.
I should have put an end to this long ago.
Go on, move!
Come in.
Good evening to you.
Why have you come?
You know very well why!
- Let's sit down. - I am fine here.
Israël, you know who we are.
Let's sit down and talk.
There is nothing to say.
Israël, you are going through a wrong path...
Sarah's wedding has been arranged.
From today on, keep yourself away from her.
No meetings no telephone talks,
no contact whatsoever.
Do you want to destroy your daughter's life?
Don't tell me how to act you insolent brat!
We are not playing around.
She's my life.
Leave my daughter alone!
She's not a little girl anymore.
If your mother weren't here...
I love her!
For her I would destroy the whole world.
You love her?
Have you no shame, before her father?
We have put her under custody to keep her form coming here.
Do you know what they will do?
They will knock at your door,
you shall open, they will plunder everything.
Later, they will bash you.
Your mother will cry out, but nobody will come to your rescue.
Even if you flee to the synagogue you won't be able to get in
because everybody shall be aware.
You can not do what you have in mind. Do you understand?
Nathaniel, pass on to Papa.
Eat.
Papa, I got full marks on the Torah test.
Bravo.
Very good.
Good.
I wanted to show you. You weren't at the butcher shop.
A scandal has arisen in our quarter
You have been alerted!
Announcement to the public who buy in the butcher shop.
It has been discovered that it is not kosher
in spite of a certificate affixed to the door.
Beware of impure food.
We call upon the believers
to avoid this questionable store
where sinners have had the audacity to disguise themselves as pious men
to establish themselves in our quarter...
He is impure!
...The distinguished young man Yeoudah Stern
will marry the girl of his own age the honorable virgin, Sarah Katz,
in a blessed ceremony
according to the religion of Moses and Israel
One has heard
in the mountains of Judea
And in the streets in the streets
of Jerusalem
Cries of joy and merrymaking...
A scandal has arisen in our quarter
Magnified and sanctified be His name.
...that His kingdom may be proclaimed
in our days and the living in the House of Israel.
at a near time
and all say ''Amen''.
Amen.
It can't continue.
I have a family, a wife, children.
And me, I have noone but you.
I will protect you.
Oh righteous, you haven't listened to us.
Do you want people to never buy from you again?
Do you want to be boycotted?
For them to say you sell
forbidden food?
Not only you'll have to shut down your shop,
but you'll also have to take your wife and children,
and abandon the quarter, if they follow you.
You'll have to leave, you won't have a choice.
The righteous one!
As righteous as you might be, you don't decide here anymore.
Good day to you!
What's the problem my friends?
No more meat left?
Rabbin Weizman, listen. We...
I take responsibility.
I will talk to him.
It's a pain we should have been taken care of sooner.
We have no time to lose.
I know him and I knew his dead father.
He has the benefit of his ancestors merits.
His father was an honest man.
We can't take risks.
For the sake of our childen, we don't want to.
It's matter of life and death!
It's you who shed the blood. You have no evidence.
We don't want to run the risk
in the name of experience that you are representing here.
Go see what goes on up there
we won't accept to put our children's...
tender souls in danger.
It's an evil that leaves you tainted.
Which impurities have you kashered?
What do you know about children, scum? Go away!
- What kind of Torah students are you? - We'll stay.
It's me who decides. If you don't obey me. Then you'll see!
Get out! Your audacity knows no limits.
Go! Shame on you!
Why was so hard to tell him to leave?
Why are you so stubborn?
To do what, Aaron?
What is it with you? Has your father cut your tongue?
For the love of G-d, talk! Why are you silent?
I'm alive.
I need him.
I was dead.
Now I'm alive.
Ephraïm.
It's for you.
Sinner!
You lead others to sin!
You have no place in Paradise, sinner!
One must keep away from you!
One must exclude you!
It is forbidden to approach you!
Go away!
Leave!
Ezri.
I know.
What is the object of your prayer?
Where do you want to be?
I want to be here.
Do you want me to leave?
No, but you decide.
I have nothing to decide. I want to be here.
What shall we do now?
It's our house.
I haven't introduced this into the house.
It's neither mine nor for me,
it's my evil inclination
that took control over me.
I have never brought it into this house.
Okay.
Protect me.
EYES WIDE OPEN (EINAYM PKUHOT)
Translation and adaptation: LouCid