Many, many years ago in southern Russia two families joined in the joyous celebration of the marriage of their children, Eliezer and Devorah. The moon shone down upon tables richly set with brimming platters of festive foods. People conversed happily, their gazes turning periodically to the joyous couple.
Throughout the town, Jews were robbed and murdered, captured and enslaved. Devorah, was still alive. She had no memory of her miraculous escape, but now, faced with an uncertain future, she set out for the Holy Land to the home of an uncle, her only surviving relative. Sympathetic Jews along the route helped her, and she began to recover from her traumatic experiences. Since the fate of her husband was unknown, she tried to move on with her life.
One day the streets of Jerusalem buzzed with excitement. Trumpets blared as a beautiful stead, rode through the narrow streets followed by his retainers. Suddenly, Devorah, who had come to witness the great event with her cousins, fainted. When she awoke, she was told that she had fainted at the sight of one of the men in the procession, no doubt as a result of all she had been through. When her uncle returned that evening, he was told about the incident and realized that the man she had seen was her husband, Eliezer, who had also survived and was now part of the delegation.
The uncle had been appointed member of the delegation which was to greet the dignitary. The uncle advised Devorah to approach the man and tell him that she was troubled by a personal problem. And when he inquired what it was, she should reveal her identity. Devorah did as she was told, and the man, upon hearing her story, realized she was indeed his wife.
The uncle returned home with the astoundingly good news that Devorah had, indeed, found her husband. There was no doubt as to the identity of Eliezer. The young couple was reunited in great happiness. The young man formulated a plan: if he could leave his current position in capable hands, he would return quietly to Jerusalem, where he and Devorah would set up their home. This is exactly what happened, and thus ends the real story of Devorah and her husband.
Adapted from The Storyteller.
