The Rabbi's Son

By Martin Venner

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves,” Rabbi Jesus told his disciples. But what meaning could those words have for Jeremiah Abrahams, a rabbi’s son born in 1985? In the immediate term, perhaps very little, yet gradually as his career advances they would amount to a prophetic declaration crucial to his life. His father, Rabbi Aaron Abrahams, and a Christian priest, Father Matthew, give warning of vicious forces gathering around him.

As Jeremiah begins to advance up the greasy pole of American politics, one by one the wolves emerge from inside and outside the US: first, a questionable cardinal, followed by a ‘President from Hell’, then a dubious British Foreign Secretary contaminates international relations.

Jeremiah, who eventually becomes US President in 2028 allies himself to the wisdom of his father and the priest Matthew in an effort to counter such awesome threats.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Legend Press
• Release date: Aug 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9781787195165

Book preview

SERVANT

Chapter One

January 20th, 2029

The couple were bathed in light as they stood at the entrance. He, tall and distinguished with a large forehead and deep-set green eyes behind silver-rimmed glasses. His hair was black but going slightly grey over his temples. She, with long raven black hair falling down over her shoulders, her face sharp and intellectual with penetrating eyes smiled sweetly up at him. Both were dressed formally for the occasion. He, in a dark suit with matching black tie and black knee-length overcoat; while she wore a white and light-blue dress with matching coat and a white scarf to protect her against the chill wind.

But who were they? The hopes and dreams of countless people rested on their shoulders after all those years of political darkness. The band began to play Hail to the Chief as the couple proudly stepped forward into the Rotunda of the Capitol in Washington DC. America had a new President, Jeremiah Abrahams, with Sharon his wife and First Lady. The clapping got louder as they passed the law makers, civil servants and interns. Then out into the open where the vast crowds roared their approval at the first sighting of their new leader and First Lady.

With his right hand on the Lincoln Bible the new President resolutely stated the words: to help protect and defend the Constitution of the United States! Here was proof, if proof were needed that the American Dream was alive and well and had not died in the land of the free during the previous decade of political storms.

President Abrahams looked over his right shoulder and saw his father, who had raised him from humble beginnings to this lofty station, smiling at him. The new President was to take the American people in an entirely different direction. The usual suspects were watching the unfolding events in Washington: China’s President, the Japanese Prime Minister, the Russian President, European Federation President, the British PM, the PM of Israel and the Canadian Prime Minister. While somewhere in Washington, gathered round a plasma TV in someone’s study, a group of clergymen were also watching the Inauguration, intrigued by the new incumbent of the Presidential office.

Is this who they say will come at the end of time? asked one.

Is he now among us? asked another.

The leader of the group, the one the others looked up to, pondering their questions, then gave a thoughtful and firm reply.

This is not he! The one of whom you speak is yet to come. His time is not yet. The man we see here is another, not written of in Holy Scripture.

The other clergy accepted his wisdom. But the question still remained unanswered – who was he?

***

Jeremiah Abrahams was born on May 1st, 1985, in Georgetown, Maryland, the only son of Rabbi Dr Aaron and Martha Abrahams. His parents had arrived in America from the Soviet Union the previous year during the era of Mr Gorbachev and settled in Georgetown where they were blessed by the birth of their son, which brought them great joy. Often as he was growing up, Jeremiah would go into his father’s study to watch him prepare for the many different ceremonies of the Jewish faith. On one very hot day in mid-April the boy burst into his father’s room.

Dad, Dad! he cried. Come on, Dad, don’t you want to come outside and play soccer with me in the garden?

Slightly bemused at his son’s request, Aaron smiled and thought why not!

OK, I’ll come, said his father as he got up from behind his desk.

Kicking the ball around in the back garden, Rabbi Aaron was surprised to see how good his son was at scoring goals.

You should be in the Israeli National Team or the American one, you’d be good. Perhaps becoming captain one day, Jeremiah’s father said adoringly, putting his hand on his son’s shoulder after the boy had scored another goal.

A rabbi playing soccer with his son was a very rare occurrence. But with Jeremiah’s birthday approaching, a celebratory soccer match would be played that day within the confines of the Abrahams’ back garden.

A few days before his birthday, Jeremiah was returning from a shopping trip, but had taken a wrong turning. Suddenly, he froze in his tracks, overwhelmed by a feeling of panic, having sensed an evil presence coming from a nearby house which stopped him from venturing any further down that road. It was only later he learnt this was where certain scenes from The Exorcist had been filmed.

Promise me you will never go near there again! his father told him in a stern but loving voice. The devil is there and has never left. Your grandparents, your mother and I have seen more than enough of his handiwork to last a lifetime! Aaron was not joking, with his son seeing in his eyes how deadly serious he was. It was a look he would never forget.

If anyone knew about the deeds of the devil, it was Aaron Abrahams, a rabbi of Jewish-Russian-German descent. Born in Shanghai on February 9th, 1926, Aaron’s father served in the Imperial Russian Diplomatic Corps and had been posted to China’s largest city where he remained throughout the Russian Revolution until 1928, when the decision was made to return to the Soviet Union. Let’s give them a chance, the boy’s father was heard saying at the time. In November that year the two-year-old Aaron with his parents boarded the overnight train to Beijing then took the Trans-Siberian Express to Moscow. During the twelve-day journey the temperature dropped to -45 Celsius, arriving in a snow and ice blanketed Moscow.

Although he rarely spoke about it, Aaron grew up in the worst of times. The Soviet Union under Stalin was far from a safe place with upheavals in the countryside and cities and the never ending purges and show trials. Once when he was with his parents in central Moscow, he saw the Basilica of Christ the Saviour being blown up on the communist dictator’s orders. This magnificent place of worship had been built as an act of thanksgiving to God for Imperial Russia’s victory over Napoleon. The sight of the cathedral’s destruction left a marked impression of the evil of communism on Aaron’s mind, which later came to symbolise all the other evils of Stalin’s regime – the people who mysteriously disappeared in the middle of the night and the executions.

By the time Aaron was thirteen, another terror engulfed the USSR. On June 22nd, 1941, Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union and although he was too young then to serve in active military service, three years later was drafted into the Red Army at the height of a gigantic Soviet offensive. It was his wartime experiences that drove Aaron to God, whereas for many the horrors they saw was enough to drive them away from religion altogether.

Aaron’s unit was the first of the Soviet forces to liberate Auschwitz. The sight of what had happened there changed him for ever. On going to the gas chambers and seeing a pile of dead bodies, he broke down and sobbed, saying, I felt a strange power standing beside me and reaching out to comfort me. I knew it was God. And I thought, if there is such evil in the world there must also be an immeasurably greater good. It was there in the gas chambers that I resolved, if I’m spared, I will become a rabbi.

With the immense Red Army, Aaron’s unit went on to fight in the bloody battle to capture Berlin. As an MkIII tank commander, he and his company were in the thick of it at the storming of the Reichstag, seeing hundreds of his comrades killed by nothing-to-lose German defenders as the Soviet forces smashed their way through the enemy lines.

With the Soviet flag flying over the Reichstag, and Russian victory assured, Aaron’s unit stayed on in Berlin and met up with the British and American forces. It was a very proud Aaron atop his tank that took part in the vast military parades, first in Berlin then in Moscow. It was also the first time he came face to face with Stalin and Marshal Zhukov. Looking into the dictator’s eyes Aaron’s pride evaporated, as he became convinced that Stalin was indeed an agent of evil.

Soon after being demobbed Aaron commenced his training for the rabbinate, which also marked the beginning of his life-long study of the Hebrew prophets. His doctoral thesis completed in 1953, the year of Stalin’s death, forcefully set out a sustained argument for the relevance of Israel’s prophets for the contemporary world. Rabbi Dr Aaron Abrahams was for many years one the foremost scholars in this field, though he pursued both his academic work and ministry in humble service to the God who stood and comforted him in the gas chambers of Auschwitz.

Aaron married his beloved in 1970. Martha was the daughter of a prominent Jewish businessman and thirteen years Aaron’s junior. The couple waited a long time for the birth of their son when finally in 1985 God answered their prayers. They gave their child the name Jeremiah after the Hebrew prophet who had captivated the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. Later, at Jeremiah’s bar mitzvah in 1998, Aaron was convinced God had spoken to him saying that Jeremiah would receive a special calling, though what that calling would be he was not told.

***

Jeremiah’s sixteenth birthday duly arrived with the soccer match being played in the back garden. His friends from school and the neighbourhood had been invited. Goal! shouted the birthday boy as he kicked the ball into the back of the improvised net. The match ebbed and flowed, one goal this side, one that, as other guests watched from the side. As play continued, Rabbi Abrahams was having a spirited discussion with the local Baptist minister, Rev. Nathaniel Ormalong, each airing differing views concerning faith in God. Meanwhile Gail, Nathaniel’s pregnant wife, was inside the house being given a tour by Martha.

When is your baby due?

I saw the doctor last Wednesday and she told me the end of July. Truly, I’m over the moon that the waiting is nearly over, a relieved Gail told her host. Barely had she spoken when she felt faint and fell into Martha’s outstretched arms.

Somebody please help me, shouted Martha at the top of her voice.

Immediately, both husbands rushed into the kitchen and got Mrs Ormalong into a large chair in the next room when Gail’s eyes flickered open.

What happened?

You fainted, Nathaniel told his wife.

We had better take you home to get some rest.

Gail clearly embarrassed, apologised to her hosts: I’m very sorry making such a nuisance of myself, but thank you so much for your help. I’m beginning to feel much better now.

"Not at all; no need to apologise. We’re both glad to be of help.

Now please, Nathaniel, get your wife back home quickly and into bed with a warm drink, said Martha, her maternal instincts coming to the fore.

Jeremiah’s birthday came to a sudden end due to the episode.

As they stood by the gate waving to their guests, Martha was telling Aaron, I hope Gail gets through the next couple of months and has her baby.

So do I, said her husband, while Jeremiah could see the concern on his parents’ faces.

***

Tuesday, September 4th, 2001

That day Rabbi Abrahams was on the phone to his friend Nathaniel. I’m very sorry to hear about Gail’s death. It must have been a terrible shock when you first heard of your wife’s passing? If there is anything we can do, anything at all, please don’t hesitate to ask, Aaron said softly.

"Thank you, your prayers have been a great comfort because it was a terrible ordeal. When we returned home from your son’s birthday Gail seemed much better; in fact everything was going fine up to the birth of our daughter Karen. Then without warning my wife became violently ill and fell into a coma at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. The staff there, God bless them, were fantastic; they tried everything even putting Gail on a life support machine, but she never regained consciousness. As my wife’s health rapidly deteriorated, the doctors asked my permission to turn off the life support. Under those circumstances I agreed and Gail died last Thursday.

It was the worst moment of my life, Aaron, it really was. Nathaniel, unable to hold back his tears and choking with emotion, wept bitterly. Rabbi Abrahams stood in silence listening to his friend’s sobs and praying in his heart that God would bring some small comfort even at this late hour.

Are you still there, Aaron?

Yes I am.

Thank God! My family have already made preparations for the funeral on Friday at two o’clock at the Baptist Church. Do you think you and Martha will be able to come?

Certainly, we’ll be there. If there is anything we can do before then please let us know. Otherwise we’ll see you on Friday. Every blessing on you, Nathaniel and Karen. Remember, Gail is in good hands and God will take care of your wife and the family. Good night, my friend.

Good night, Aaron, and thank you. Putting the phone down the rabbi saw Martha standing in the doorway. You were a long time on the phone, was it important?

It was, and sad news as well. You remember Nathaniel Ormalong’s wife Gail we met at Jeremiah’s birthday? Well, she died last Thursday.

Oh my gosh! gasped Mrs Abrahams, covering her mouth with her hand, before Aaron told Martha, Nathaniel has asked us to come to Gail’s funeral at the Baptist Church on Friday at two o’clock. I said we would go, it’s only right that we do; to support the family. The rabbi looked for approval from his wife, thinking he might have done something wrong.

Oh damn! Martha exclaimed as she remembered.

What’s the matter?

Nothing dear. Nothing at all! I’ll have to phone Cynthia and tell her I won’t be able to go.

Go where?

"Oh, the Georgetown Women’s Knitting Circle, Cynthia Eaststandbrook is the president. Didn’t you know, I’m never in the house on Friday afternoons?

You get so caught up with your work in that study of yours and miss half the things that go on. Martha gently rebuked Aaron, while he being the ever-patient husband took her scolding on the chin. Martha then went to the kitchen as Aaron went upstairs to make another phone call; his patience tested even further as the call he was trying to make wasn’t being answered. Just as he was about to put the receiver down Aaron heard a voice.

Bradley Thompson here, who am I speaking to?

Wonderful, I’ve got hold of you at last. My name is Rabbi Aaron Abrahams and I’m phoning to make an enquiry because I have been told that you do soccer training, is that true? Aaron asked with apprehension in his voice.

Yes I do. How can I help you? Bradley asked, his voice full of authority.

Aaron knew he had to be straight with him. Mr Thompson—

But the rabbi was interrupted. Call me Brad! I’m not one to stand on ceremony. You were saying?

OK, Brad, I believe you do soccer training for under seventeen-year-olds?

Sure thing! I do.

Well I have a sixteen-year-old son, by the name of Jeremiah and he has exceptionally good footwork when he plays with his friends. I was wondering if I could bring him to you, so that you can see his soccer skills. Is that possible? The rabbi spoke assertively, imagining his son having a bright future in sport.

Yep, bring him along next Tuesday, September 11th. Me and Harry, my training buddy, will have a look at your boy’s skills and get back to you OK? Do you know where we train?

No, I’m afraid I don’t.

It’s the field next to the cemetery; we meet there at four in the afternoon. Tell you what, you and Jerry can come early if you like. You don’t mind me calling your son Jerry do you?

No, not at all.

Great. It’s about commitment to each other and the squad. It doesn’t matter how good your son is or the other guys. It’s about team work; otherwise you just have a bunch of self-centred kids.

Couldn’t agree more, Brad, agreed the rabbi, surprised at how Americanised he had become.

Fine, see you Tuesday, bye for now.

But Aaron was unaware his son was standing at the study door having heard the whole conversation. Oh, Dad, do I have to go and play soccer in some field in the middle of nowhere? he groaned.

But, Jeremiah, you are really good and we are talking about your future here, his father responded with a loving but concerned look on his face. "Just give it one try. If you don’t like it then we will drop the whole idea.

Tell you what, I’ll pick you up after school and take you to the training ground. Bradley who’s the coach, said I could stay with you then we’ll come back home. You happy with that?

But Jeremiah wasn’t happy. A career in soccer simply was not on his radar, it was only out of love for his Dad that he agreed to give this soccer thing as he described it, a try. But first, however, there was the funeral. For reasons known only to himself, Jeremiah agreed to go with his Mom and Dad that Friday.

When the day arrived, Jeremiah entered the mid-town Baptist Church with his parents. There was a strangeness and unfamiliarity about it as he sat down a few rows from the front. The church was only half-full and he seemed to be the youngest there apart from the Ormalong’s child. Jeremiah stared at the white lilies that decorated the pulpit and the window sills and tried to make out the meaning of the biblical text on the east wall: Whosoever believeth in me shall not perish but have everlasting life. How could not perishing be squared with a funeral? he thought to himself and made a mental note to ask his Dad. It was the first time that Jeremiah was experiencing a Christian funeral and one in which his father had been asked to read.

Hymns were sung, chosen by the deceased. The congregation bowed in prayer then Rabbi Abrahams, his head covered with a Jewish prayer-shawl stood behind the lectern like an ancient prophet and clearly enunciated the words of the Twenty-Third Psalm, which sent a shiver down his son’s spine and a tear as he felt a mixture of pride and awe. Another hymn followed, then eulogies given by members of the Ormalong family and a member of the Church. Finally, came the words of commendation.

Jeremiah had taken it all in, he could not help wondering how the Rev. Nathaniel Ormalong and his young family were feeling as they faced the decorated coffin that stood at the front of the Church on a raised dais, bearing floral tributes and a coloured photograph of Mrs Ormalong.

Rev. Ormalong had been the minister at the Georgetown Church for close on five years. The congregation was conservative and not keen on the charismatic worship found in the more evangelical wing of the Church. So it was that Nathaniel with the prompting of his late wife had to restrain himself in his preaching, especially when it came to his favourite topic, the Rapture. Perhaps now he was grateful for that restraint.

The Church service, conducted by the Baptist Superintendent Minister who had come from Washington DC came to an end, leaving a marked impression on Jeremiah. His father’s reading from the Psalms and the sight of Rev. Ormalong and his sister holding Gail’s one-month-old daughter Karen made him wonder why death could sometimes seem so cruel. After the committal at the graveside, Rev. Ormalong stood for a while greeting the mourners, then came over to the Abrahams.

Thanks for coming and also for your reading, Rabbi, it really was very moving. It’s wonderful to know there are friends that we can really count on at such a time as this, he said putting his hand on the rabbi’s arm.

Although we worship God in different ways, in times like this we are here for each other, Aaron said kindly.

The Baptist minister saw Jeremiah standing next to his parents. Thank you too, Jerry, for coming with Mom and Dad, it was kind of you to come and support us. But how are you these days?

Jeremiah had never been spoken to by a Baptist minister before and overwhelmed by his own thoughts, smiled then changed the subject completely. My Dad wants me to play soccer next Tuesday, but honestly I don’t want to go.

Jeremiah looked seriously at the minister while the rabbi laughed. I’m sure your Dad is only thinking of your future. I watched you play on your birthday and thought then, you’re seriously good at the game. Don’t throw away a talent you’ve clearly got. Then turning to his father, Nathaniel asked, Who did you speak to about soccer training?

Bradley Thompson, he wants to see Jeremiah next Tuesday.

Oh, he’s good. I’ve known Brad for some time. If anyone can bring out the best in your son it’s him. Let me know how you get along.

We will.

Once again thank you so much for coming, I’ll keep in touch.

On their way home an argument broke out over Jeremiah’s future. You men always gang up. Just because Jerry can kick a ball in the back yard, doesn’t mean his entire future is just kicking a football around. It might be something else entirely. Martha’s opening salvo raised the tension.

But I said to our son, just go along next Tuesday and give it a try. You never know, he might like it.

Their son, although subdued as he sat in the back seat, listened to see who would win the argument.

But we are talking about our son’s future, his father insisted.

I know we are talking about his future. But don’t you think a mother knows about her own children? Perhaps we ought to ask him.

Before Aaron was able to say anything else, Martha was looking over the passenger seat: Jerry, dear, what do you want to do? It’s clear your father wants you to play soccer. Aaron pulled the car over to the side of the road and switched off the engine.

Frustrated, he tried to reinforce his fatherly perspective. All I said was give it a chance just this once, that is all I said. He then turned to his son: What do you want to do; soccer or something different?

Jeremiah enjoyed being at the centre of attention and although he loved his parents, they knew he had a mind of own. I’ll give it a try. If I don’t like it; then that’s it, I won’t do it. If I do; I’ll carry on with it.

Spoken like a true politician. Well done, son, retorted his father as he switched the engine back on.

Jeremiah’s answer satisfied his parents and with peace restored his father drove off. It wasn’t long before they were back home. Martha took her hat off and went for a lie down while Jeremiah followed his father into the study. There was something about the Baptist Church and the funeral service he wanted to ask him. It had been a long and difficult day of grief and answering the needs of friendship, as well as a day in which Jeremiah’s soccer future was held in the balance.

***

Tuesday, September 11th, 2001

Jeremiah was on his way to his next school lesson when the head teacher’s voice came through the PA. Would all pupils and staff assemble immediately in the gym. I have an important announcement to make to the whole school. Her voice was authoritative and urgent.

What could this be? The whole school being ordered to assemble, one young girl asked her friend.

We’ll soon find out, her friend answered, as they saw the school staff walking briskly through the corridors towards the head teacher’s office.

Gathering in the gym, they saw a sombre-faced Ms Hawkins enter with all eyes fixed on her. The head teacher faced the pupils while the teachers behind her seemed to know what she was about to say.

Today our country came under attack from Islamic terrorists in New York and Washington DC. I am sorry to say that many lives have been lost. In the wake of this outrage the Maryland Department of Education has taken the decision to shut all schools in the state until further notice. Go home and pray for the victims of these attacks and that justice shall be done. God bless America. With that Ms Hawkins walked briskly out of the gym, leaving the stunned pupils in silence.

The deputy head, a grim-faced Mr Smart, stepped up and took over proceedings. Now, school, you heard what the head teacher has told you. When you are dismissed, go and collect your belongings and re-assemble in the school yard. School buses will be along shortly to take you home. Those who are unable to, please re-assemble back here in the gymnasium. School, file out in an orderly manner—

The deputy head was interrupted by another teacher, Mr Smart, I expect after what’s happened everybody will be rushing to get home. Did you hear the news?

Only about the attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon that’s all. Why, what else has happened? asked the deputy which raised the eyebrows of his colleague.

President Bush has ordered our air space to be shut and all aircraft have been grounded! Jeremiah knew that what had happened was serious. But just how serious, he would soon find out. All thought of after-school soccer practice was completely forgotten.

His father, dressed in the garb of an Orthodox Jewish rabbi, stood at the school gates waiting for him and was aware of getting fierce looks from some of the departing teachers as though he himself might have been a terrorist. Ignoring their glances he spotted Jeremiah running towards him.

There’s no need to rush. If you run too fast you might fall over and injure yourself, the concerned rabbi told his son in a comforting voice. After such terrible events here was a father concerned for the welfare of his son. This ordinariness, simple concern of one man for his child was a powerful consolation of the human spirit and defiance of the forces of evil. But was it strong enough? Inside the car, Jeremiah found out just how devastating the attacks had been.

My son, these attacks on our American homeland are very serious. Your mother and I truly hoped you would never experience what we and your grandparents went through in the Second World War and afterwards in Soviet Russia. But the forces who hate us have other ideas. Always remember there are two powers in this world: the good power of our God and his righteousness and the evil power and malevolence of he who is against Him – the power of the Most High and the power of the one who opposes the Most High.

Going home that day and listening to his father’s wise words left an indelible mark on the mind and heart of Jeremiah Abrahams, just as the cruel events of 9/11 shattered the lives of so many victims and their families.

That evening this close-knit family of three sat quietly in the lounge. Aaron without a word, placed a record on the turntable that had been given to him by his parents when he was Jeremiah’s age. Nothing was said as they listened to Bach’s St Matthew Passion: its melody rising and falling conveyed the immensity of the struggle against the powers of evil.

Jeremiah, as he watched his mother sitting quietly knitting a jersey, felt in his heart a strange welling up of emotion. It was as though he personally was being called to lead a war against all the forces of evil in whatever guise they would appear. The intensity of that feeling seemed far more real to him than a figment of his imagination, and it would prove in the long-term impossible to dismiss.

Chapter Two

January 7th, 2009

9/11 changed everything for Jeremiah. Although sixteen at the time, he rapidly matured beyond his age. Increasingly he spent more time studying politics and current affairs in the media and online. At the end of that year he bought a computer with access to the Internet. His aging parents were overjoyed when in 2004 their son won a scholarship to Harvard to study history, politics and economics, but with him away from home it was both a trial for them and a source of pride.

Rabbi Dr Abrahams felt justified having brought his family to the land of the free, and even if Jeremiah no longer seemed destined to become a professional soccer player, he was certain that the Almighty had a purpose for him. Both mother and father were able to attend their son’s graduation in 2007 and could not contain their joy on hearing that Jeremiah had come top of his class.

When in 2008 Lehman Brothers collapsed, Jeremiah’s interests extended into finance and the US economy and made him determined on some form of public career. Despite the financially grim time, that year also brought a new ray of hope when Barack Obama won the race to the White House.