Part Four: The Volftsuns in America 147
The focus of the older Iosif's life, observing the laws of Judaism,
would have surprised the younger Iosif. Iosif today is more
observant than ever before. He has joined a conservative
synagogue and attends services regularly. He prays every day. This
is an unlikely outcome for a man who, although he was educated
as a Jew and received a secret bar mitzvah, lived most of his life
in a secular state that was oppressive to all religion, especially
Judaism. Iosif's faith was tested over and over again, and when
his father, truly a man of faith, told his son to trust in God, Iosif
argued
with him.
"I told my father I believed in God," Iosif recalls, "but I cannot
practice, I cannot go to synagogue, and I cannot pray."
Iosif's father had confidence. "The time will come, Iosif, when
you will be called to the Torah," Shlomo Volsun said.
Iosif could not bring himself to believe this prophecy. "Torah?
Father, what are you talking about? In Russia, all the synagogues
are destroyed. In Moscow, there is just one synagogue le!"
Shlomo was calm. "You will see, my son, the time will come when
you will be called to the Torah," Iosif's father said.
Iosif's father always emphasized Jewish values. In the Torah stories
he told his children every Shabbat, Shlomo focused on the values
of tzedakah (charity) and mitzvot (commandments). Even though
the powers of society and state made religious practice difficult or
even criminal, Shlomo made sure his children received
Jewish educations.
Shlomo's prophecy for Iosif has been fulfilled. Iosif has returned
to the Torah.
Iosif has Returned to the Torah Iosif has Returned to the Torah
