The Rebetzen of Tunis, part1

It was around 1 pm, the Tunisian sun was merciless, the highway was almost empty, and I drove fast, I wanted to see the Rebetzen and return the car I borrowed on time.

I called the Rebezen's house at least 3 times daily in the last 2 weeks, no one ever answered, there wasn't even an answering machine, my stay in Tunis was coming to an end, and I started feeling anxious about not being able to meet The Rebetzen before heading to New York.
"Allo?", her voice is still in my ear, I was thrilled, I knew it was her and I started pouring all the details all at once, she listened quietly, and finally said in French "We are the representatives of the Chabad movement, I am not sure if I could help, but come over".

I parked my car, it was about 2 pm, streets are empty, the heat is unbearable, and the only way Tunisians survive it, is by hiding in their homes, and sleeping, until the cool afternoon breeze starts flirting with the Jasmin plants. But I didn't feel anything, I was on my way to finally meet the Rebetzen, nothing else mattered.

I walked toward the Rebetzen's house, I could see it from across the street but I couldn't see the mezuza, I made sure I had the right house number, I was in the right address, there is no doubt, but I still couldn't see any mezuza.

As I crossed the street I thought : Maybe the Rebetzen is actually staying by some one's house?No,that can't be, I got this address from the shliach in Nice, he said himself that this is the Rebetzen's address, but where is the mezuza?

I was almost in front of the door when I realized where was the mezuza, there wasn't a mezuza case at all, the wall was flat, and at a regular mezuza's height there was a piece of glass that covered a hole dug into the wall, there it was, the mezuza, inside the wall, no fancy cases, no "Look, it is a Jewish home" cases, just a mezuza inside the wall, just a "Ribono Shel Olam, please protect us" kind of mezuza. Those who search for it see it, a piece of glass showed what needed to be seen of the holy parchment, and the rest, carefully hidden in the wall.

I rang the bell and kissed the mezuza, would there be someone they'd think I was kissing the flat wall, how ironic.

I heard the steps of the Rebetzen approaching, I smiled in relief.

To be continued