The NFL playoff season was underway, and the middle school boys at Simms Torah Academy of Toronto and Saskatchewan were excited. For the first time ever, the Toronto Bagels, the NFL’s first Canadian team, had a chance at a championship. From the start of the day, through lunch, recess and dismissal, the Bagels were easily the No. 1 discussion topic at STATS. Ever since entering the league, the Bagels were the joke of the NFL, with headlines like “Bagels Get Creamed,” and “Bagels Put Up Bagels.” Now that the team was finally competitive (thanks to new head coach, Andrew “And” Locks, and quarterback Tommy Ayto), everyone had Bagel Fever. Even the teachers were into it—all it took was a mention of the Bagels to sidetrack a class conversation. Yes, at STATS it was everything Bagels.
One afternoon, Noah came home from school to a BIG surprise. “Hey sweetie. Guess what?” his mother said. Noah shrugged. “Aliens kidnapped my sisters?” he said in a hopeful tone. His mom laughed. “Nope. Even better than that.” Now Noah was interested. What could be better? “My boss offered me four free tickets to the Bagel game.”
Noah could not believe it! “No way! Holy cow! Mommmmmm! You’re the best!” Noah gave his mother a huge hug. “Who’s going to go?” Noah’s mom turned to him. “Well, your dad and I both want to go, and your sisters are too young. So with you going, that leaves one extra ticket. Do you want to bring a friend?”
Noah’s smile got even wider. “Really? Wow! I have to bring Ezra! He’s the biggest Bagels fan I know!” But then Noah paused. “But what about Max? He’s my best friend and his family took me skiing last winter.” Noah turned to his mother. “Mom, what should I do?” Noah’s mother rubbed his head. “What you should do is not think about it tonight. The game isn’t for another week and you have a lot to do tonight.”
Although Noah was able to forget about his choice for one night, he woke up the next morning feeling nervous. After rubbing his eyes and staring at the ceiling for the moment, he remembered. “Oh man,” thought Noah. “How am I going to decide?” When his just-woke-up brain offered no advice, Noah got out of bed and started his day. He hoped that being around his friends today would help him make a decision.
As usual, Noah’s bus arrived at 7:42 in the morning. Noah got on the bus, and took his usual seat next to Max. Max looked up at Noah and gave his usual greeting. “Sup, Bro-ah?” Noah offered his usual fist bump and response. “All good, Max-ophone.” After a few minutes, Noah decided to broach the subject. “Max, are you into the Bagels at all?” Max waved his hand in dismissal.
“You know I don’t care about football.” Noah pushed on. “Yeah, but this is a big deal everywhere. If you didn’t notice, there is a giant blowup bagel sitting on your lawn.” Max shrugged. “Sometimes I feel like I’m adopted.” Noah laughed. “Maybe if you didn’t look so much like your grandmother.”
For Noah, that conversation settled it. If Max cared zero about football, it would almost be a waste to invite him. Now, Noah only felt excitement, and he couldn’t wait to tell Ezra.
Fortunately for Noah, he didn’t need to wait. As his bus pulled up to STATS, Noah saw Ezra walking to the front doors of the building. Normally the last off the bus (“Why would anyone rush to get to school?!”) Noah pushed his way to the front of the line and basically jumped out of the bus. “Ezra! Hey, Ezra!” From his seat, Max saw the commotion Noah was making but just shrugged his shoulders and took his time.
Later on at school, Max decided to ask Noah why he was running to catch Ezra. Without hesitation, Noah told Max about the Bagels tickets and that he was taking Ezra. “But I told him not to tell anyone so nobody gets jealous.” Max produced a fake half-smile and responded in a flat tone. “Cool. Well, I got to go.” Noah didn’t even notice that Max seemed upset. “OK, Old Max Donald. See you later.”
For the rest of the week, Max sort of avoided Noah. When they were together (like on the bus), Max was more to himself. But Noah didn’t seem to notice. He was just too excited about the game. “Max, I cannot wait for this game. It’s like a dream come true.” … “Ezra and I are planning on making a sign to try and get on TV.” … “Max, do you think I’ll get an autograph? That would be cool.” To his credit, Max said nothing, but of course was hurting on the inside. He didn’t care for football, but it might be cool to be at such a big event. Either way, he wished Noah would have invited him. Max might have said “no thanks,” but at least Noah would have thought about his best friend.
That Friday Max and Noah’s parsha teacher discussed why Yaakov would show favor to Yosef. She explained that Yaakov wasn’t favoring one son over another, he just missed Rachel so much, the extra care was about her, not them. However, the brothers didn’t understand this about their father. All they saw was one brother randomly being chosen over the others. Yaakov’s mistake was assuming that the brothers would understand his thoughts and feelings without ever explaining himself. Yosef followed this example by sharing his dreams without any context at all.
When Noah heard this, he immediately made the connection. When class ended, he rushed over to Max to apologize. This was all Max needed. “All good, Bro-ah. Now you know.” After school, the two best friends went out for lunch. They had bagels.
Yair Daar is the director of Student Life at Bicultural Hebrew Academy High School. He can be reached at [email protected]
