1» (;Z% vy \l I A DELAYED BIRTHDAY A HANUKAH PLAY BY EMILY GOLDSMITH GERSON '/& m NEW YORK BLOCH PUBLISHING COMPANY " The Jewish Book Concern" Copyright, 1910, by Blocfa Publishing Company, New York. CHARACTERS Mr. BERNHEIM the father Mrs. BERNHEIM the mother BERTHA thetr 18-year-old daughter MIRIAM THETR 15-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER AARON THEIR 12-YEAR-OLD SON SCENE: A PRETTY ROOM ©CI.D 22877 TMP92-009254 " 1 A Irlagrit Itrtltftaij ( Bertha is sitting beside the center table as curtain rises. She sighs — consults her watch — rises with im- patience and paces up and dozen stage. ) Bertha: It is too bad that x\aron keeps me waiting like this. I promised to be at the Sabbath School at 5 o'clock to decorate the place for to-morrow's Hanu- kah entertainment, and now it is four, and he's not here yet. When he does come I'll wager he won't know his lines. Pear me! 1 hope he won't break up the affair. It's a great responsibility to be one of the teach- ers and have your own brother on the program. I w< >nder — Aaron {rushes in all dishevelled. He is in foot- ball trousers and cap. 1 1 olds ball under his arm ) : Hope I didn't keep you waiting, sis. Couldn't help it; we had a swell game just now. 1 tell yon what — if we fellow- keep up the good work, we'll be on top next year when \vr get on the high-school team. BERTHA: Judging from the way you look, you must have been at the bottom of somewhere, this afternoon. (Holds him at arm's length.) You certainly look a 3 sight; but never mind that now. The all-important thing is, do you know your poem ? Aaron: Oh, I guess I'll pull through in a pinch. Don't you bother that little brain of yours about me — I'll be all right. Bertha (fafes him sternly) : Aaron Bernheim, if you disgrace me I'll never forgive you, never! Re- member I'm personally responsible for you and you must recite well and be a credit to me. Now stand there (places him in center of stage) and begin. (She stands to one side.) Now put your heels together, hands down at your side, head up and — Aaron : Say, sis, what shall I do with my nose ? Bertha : Please be serious. You get on my nerves. Aaron (recites, making funny faces and gestures) : You'd scarce expect one of my age To speak in public on the stage; If I should chance to fall below Demosthenes or Cicero — Bertha: That won't do at all (pushes him aside). Now watch me do it. (She takes the center of stage, bows very low, and recites the four lines with many gestures and frills. Aaron stands behind her, to one side, burlesquing her movements. When she has fin- ished, she turns to Aaron and says) : Now that's the way it should be done. Aaron : All right; I'll try it. (He places himself in the center of stage and is about to begin when Miriam walks quickly into the room. She throws her books on the tabic, her hat on one chair and her coat on an- other. She sinks wearily in an arm-chair, exclaiming) : Miriam : I'll never be able to remember it. I wish the class hadn't seleeted me to make the presentation Speech! I used to love llanukah, but this time I hate it. Instead of enjoying the entertainment, I'll be nerv- ous and fidgety, and when finally I get up to present Rabbi Lindon with the books, I'll bungle my speech and make a mess of it. Aaron (goes up to her): Shake, sister; we'll fall together. Miriam : Listen, how does this sound? (Takes pa- per out of her pocket and reads dramatically.) Be loved teacher: We, your confirmation class, in appre- ciation of your gentle guidance and untiring zeal — Aaron : It sounds slushy to me. Am sorry I for- g< >t my rubber shoes. Bkrtha: You never wrote that high-falutin' speech yourself, Miriam. • Miriam : Who said that I did, Smarty? I see you are in no mood to listen (folds paper in disgust and puts it away). I'm going to my room to study. If anybody inquires where I am, say I'm not to be dis- turbed. (Goes out. ) Aaron: Eioity toity — Miss Proudy I — (hears a whistle outside). That's Sam Cohen. I promised to go "ii an errand with him. (Puts on cap and, while going out, says) : Ta-ta. sifter. Will study after sup- 5 per. See you later at the school house. (He disap- pears, giving a, war-whoop outside.) Bertha (sinks back in chair sighing) : There never was such a boy. I wish I could leave him out of the entertainment. (Consults her watch.) Mercy! It is quarter to five — I'll barely make it. (Rushes out.) Mother (entering from other door) : I see Miriam is at home. (Picks up coat and ha,t and straightens up room, saying) : I know I should not be angry with them because they are all so busy with their various duties and speeches for the Hanukah entertainment, but I feel hurt that not even my husband should have thought of my birthday. The day is almost over, and I have received not one congratulation, to say nothing of presents. Last year they made so much of my birthday. Oscar gave me this lovely ring (turns ring on her finger admiringly). Bertha made me a darning bag; Miriam gave me six handkerchiefs which she em- broidered herself, and Aaron — bless his big heart — he had spent all his money on marbles, so he gave me a box of taffy. What a contrast to this birthday ! 1 never would have thought it possible. Such neglect ! My mother-pride is wounded. Shall I tell them? (Stands reflecting a minute.) No! I'll wait until the Hanukah lights are lit and the singing is over, and then I'll burst the news on them. I know it will be like thunder out of a clear sky. They'll feel dreadful about their neglect ! Now I will get the candelabra ready for Papa and Aaron to light. (Goes out the same door she came in. Mr. Bernheim enters a mo- ment after through other door. He comes in rub- bing his hands together, saying) : Mr. Bernheim: By Jove, it was a shame to have forgotten it, but I — bow could we all — have overlooked mother's birthday? I wonder whether she has been thinking bard tilings about us all day? Dear little wife, she doesn't deserve it from us. She is tbe best wife and mother that ever lived. Perhaps she'll for- give me when she sees this {draws a jewel ease out of his pocket and opens it). If T say it myself, the necklace shows good taste. It will please her and make up for my seeming neglect. J was rushed this week, and that accounts for my forgetfulness. ( Turns the box.) My. bow tbe stones sparkle. They are — Miriam (enters with paper, studying her speech. Sees father, goes up and kisses him) : Good evening, father! Oh, a present for me? (Examines the jew- els. ) Mr. Bernheim: Do you know what date this is, Miriam ? Miriam (reflectively): Tbe 18th — why, it's moth- er's birthday, and we all forgot it. Oh, I'm so sorry! Mr. Bernheim: Tbe moment my eye caught tbe calendar in my office tbis morning, I remembered. 1)<> you think mother will like tbis? (Shows jewel.) Miriam: Oh, father, it is a beauty! Say, dad. 1 know where Bertha and Aaron are. I'll go to meet them, and we cm buy our gifts on tbe way home. Please keep your present until supper time, and we'll surprise mother by having the things on her plate. Will you? Mr. Bernheim : Yes, dear; now run away. (She runs out, the father calling after her) : Don't forget to take your pocket-book along. (Mrs. Bernheim comes in with the candelabra filled with colored candles. Places them on the table. Hus- band goes up to her and kisses her fondly.) Mr. Bernheim: Gut Yomtof, wife! Why, bless my heart, how the year has flown. It doesn't seem any time since last Hanukah. Mrs. Bernheim (looks at him smiling) : Yes, we're all a year older — Mr. Bernheim (also smiling, and trying to avoid her glance) : You look as charming as ever. Will supper be ready soon? Mrs. Bernheim: Why, it's only half-past five! We'll be in luck if we get supper in an hour's time. Cook's been in a temper all day. You seem restless. Has anything happened to upset you, dear? Mr. Bernheim: Yes, I've had a strenuous day. How would you like to take a walk before supper? Mrs. Bernheim : That's a fine idea. I'll go and get my wraps. I'll call you when I'm ready. (Goes out.) Mr. Bernheim {rubbing his hands together) : I've managed to get her out of the way, and now I'll write a note to the children and leave it here with this box on the tabic. (Goes to the desk and writes) • "Have taken mother out for a walk. Arrange the surprise and be ready to greet the birthday lady at six-thirty. Father." I think I managed that very well, if 1 do say it myself. Dear little wife, I hope she'll forgive us all for forgetting. Mrs. Bernheim (calls): Oscar, I'm ready. (He goes out, and the stage is empty for a minute. Then enter Aaron, Bertha and Miriam, each carrying a package and all in great excitement, talking at once, when finally they are quiet.) Bertha: I'll never forgive myself, never! Miriam : I think these presents will take the sting away, some. Aaron (who has found the note and box): Gee uiz! My eyes! How they sparkle. Miriam: Give me the note. (Takes it and reads aloud while Bertha leans over Aaron's shoulder to look at necklace) : "Have taken mother out for a walk. Arrange the surprise and be ready to greet the birth- day lady at six-thirty. Father." BERTHA: Say, let's set the table for supper in here. Il will be more of a real surprise for mother. Aaron: The surprise might work the wrong way, and then what? MlRIAM: You are a wet blanket. Mother's a darling and approves of everything we do. Bertha: I hope -he'll like my gift. I'll get the cloth. You, Aaron, bring in the dishes. Miriam. clear the table. Hurry, there is no time to lose. (The three busy themselves running in and out, setting the table, talking all the while. Aaron trips over the rug and drops the knives and forks. Bertha and Miriam scold him for his carelessness. They quarrel a little over the manner of setting the table. They can put in any amount of funny business to amuse the audience and can lengthen the setting of the table to suit their task.) Aaron : Say, let's light the candles and place them in the center of the table. Miriam : A good idea for one so young. You are not so stupid as you look, boy. Aaron : Quit yer kidding and get busy. Bertha (who has taken flowers out of vase) : How will these do for decorating purposes? (Scatters them over table.) Miriam : Oh, the table looks swell. Do you think mother will like the gloves I bought her? Aaron : Sure ! She'll make a big fuss over it, at any rate. Mothers are so easy. Ours is a cinch! Bertha: I hope she'll enjoy the book I bought her. When she has read it, I speak for it next. Aaron: Isn't that like giving yourself a present, sis? I wish I could wear the lace collar I bought her. No such luck for poor Aaron ! Miriam : You grow more foolish every day. Hand me father's box. (She puts it on mother's plate. ) I'll put it here. Bertha, your present will fit right 10 here. Mine, hand it to me, Aaron (he hands her his and her packages) shall lie here, and yours — Aaron: Oh, don't mind me. Put mine any old place — under the table if you like. BERTHA: Hark! Is that father's key in the door? Now we won't have time to light the candles. Miriam : Come, we'll all stand over there, and when mother comes to the door, we'll make a grand rush at her and congratulate her. {The three take hands and go to the corner farthest away from the door, each one trying to hold the other back. Mother appears at the door and all rush toward her, calling "Happy Birthday!" When the excitement has calmed down, mother (joes to tabic.) Mother: This is a surprise, children. How does the living go: "Better late than never"; isn't it? Mr. Bernheim : J should say. "all's well that ends well." ( To wife who is opening his present.) How d<> you like it? If I do say it myself, it is pretty. Mrs. Bernheim : Pretty! It is grand! Thank you, dear! {Kisses him.) Now, who gave me this? ( Takes up box and reads) : "From Aaron to mother, 'cause he can't afford any other." < Opens it and says) : It is very pretty and just what 1 need. ('Fakes up another box and reads inscription) : "To mother from Bertha. Though more she is worth-o." Thank you, Bertha. I'm sure I'll enjoy reading it. Aaron: And when you are done, sis >ays she — i Bertha puts her hand over his mouth.) 11 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Miriam (hands her pat this is from me. Mrs. Bernheim (read, share, with the hope that they wi did you know I needed gloves? 016 103 387 A ..^.y , X1113 13 J.VJ.11 Idlll S wear." Now, how (Kisses each one of the children.) I must say the surprise is complete. The table looks lovely, too. Mr. Bernheim : You'll forgive us, dear, for the delay ? Mrs. Bernheim : The better the day, the better the deed. See, by waiting, I can celebrate my birth- day and Hanukah together, and as Hanukah is my favorite holiday, I'm glad you waited. Aaron : Didn't I tell you our mother was a cinch ? Come, father, let us light the candles, for I'm just itch- ing to sing the Mo'os Zur.* (They light the candles.) Father: Let's march. All fall in line! (They arrange themselves in single file — Father, Mother, Bertha, Miriam and Aaron, and march, singing the Hanukah Hymn as the curtain drops.) * Music, with words, Hebrew and English, are found in the "Jewish Hymnal," price 25 cents, published by Bloch Publish- ing Company, New York. 12 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ijniiiijii 016 103 387 A