A Tale of Love and Darkness

I WAS ACTUALLY a very easy child, obedient, hard-working, unknowingly supporting the established social order (Mother and I were subject to Father, who sat at the feet of Uncle Joseph, who in turn-despite his critical opposition-obeyed Ben-Gurion and the "authorized institutions"). Apart from which I was tireless in my quest for words of praise from grown-ups, my parents and their visitors, aunts, neighbors, and acquaintances.

Nevertheless, one of the most popular performances in the family repertoire, a favorite comedy with a set plot, revolved around a transgression followed by a session of soul-searching and then a fitting punishment. After the punishment came remorse, repentance, pardon, remission of part or most of the punishment, and, finally, a tearful scene of forgiveness and reconciliation, accompanied by hugs and mutual affection.