Just as he was drifting off to sleep, Zack heard the sound of voices coming from the other side of the courtyard. It was his brother-in-law Josh, accompanied by two men, who Zack did not recognize. They walked toward him, as Josh pointed out his favorite details of the courtyard's Greek architecture.

"Rabbi Zack!" Josh trilled. So good to see you here -- enjoying some of the comforts we can provide! Don't get up -- we'll be joining you soon enough there on the couch."

Zack got up anyway, bracing himself for the impact of his brother-in-law's embrace. Josh's hugs were like a splash of cold water, but, it was the expected thing to do.

"Peace unto you, and unto you peace." Formalities were exchanged first.

Everyone shook hands and then Josh held Zack in what seemed like an endless embrace.

"You're looking well, Rabbi! How's the temple business? Promoted yet?" Josh teased. Zack had often complained to Josh about the politics of the temple and his continued exclusion from the higher circles.

Will God grant me favors for employing all these servants? They are certainly multiplying! I can hardly count the number that I keep anymore," Josh said.

"I'll be sure to put in a good word for you," Zack offered with an unfelt smile.

"Zack. Let me introduce you to one of my senior managers at the shop. This is Joseph of Bethlehem. And this strong young lad here is his son James. James is learning the carpenter trade from his father, who is one of the best! Let's hope the skill is inherited. It certainly helps to be young and handsome though, doesn't it? I invited them to spend the Passover holiday with us. It's so nice to gather with family for the holiday. I think I can say family, right?

Josh looked around at all the men, beaming, though not expecting an answer to his question.

"We are honored, " said Joseph bowing in respect.

"Yes, family," added James, bowing also.

"Don't be so formal! There is a time and place for that, but not now, not in my home!"

"Pleased to meet you, Rabbi," said Joseph. His son, who seemed a bit shy, nodded.

"We've been looking at locations and visiting suppliers all day. We are preparing for the next phase of growth for the company," Josh said. "I'm building a new shop here in Nazareth, so we can be here more, instead of being stuck in Jerusalem. The weather is so much better and there are fewer foreigners here -- if you don't mind our Arab cousins." Josh said. "Ann loves Jerusalem because she can spend time with the other wealthy ladies there. Well, she can have it. I'll be spending a lot more time up here in the future -- without her if need be."

"Galilee is so beautiful, and so uncrowded compared to the city. A man's private life is worth a little inconvenience." Saying this he glanced over at his servant, Eran.

"Curious that he looked at his manservant when he said that," Zack thought to himself. He said nothing, surrendering to Josh's incessant monologue. Zack reasoned that Josh probably talked to himself in the same non-stop fashion. Zack continued to nod and smile. He noticed that Joseph and James did the same.

"Eran, my good man, have one of the girls bring us wine and fruit. And please, join us! This is the last time we'll have to ourselves tonight -- just us men!

"We can snack a little before dinner, right Rabbi? Not a big sin, eating some fruit before the Seder meal?" Josh winked.

"Don't tell Liz!" Zack laughed. He looked around to see if she was anywhere nearby. I'm the one who's supposed to enforce the rules, but my wife is the real task master. Keeping track of all the rules is more than I care to handle!"

A servant girl brought a jug of wine -- the same one who earlier had washed Zack's feet. She poured wine. She was a young woman of some beauty. Perhaps a favorite of Joshs, Zack thought, though he seemed to prefer Eran serving him.

Cups were poured and passed to the men, who reclined on low couches and pillows, arranged in a circle on the carpet that covered a large area of the courtyard floor.

"Try some of this wine. It's from the Judean Hills. It costs 10 Shekel a cask!" Josh boasted. And the mangos come by boat all the way from East Asia. They taste as sweet 'as a lovers lips!'

"Now Zack, how are things in Hebron?" Josh said. "It looks like Oscar and Bithia are working out well. Oscar is a dependable man, like Joseph here".

He looked over at Joseph, who smiled politely and tipped his head, ignoring the compliment that had just compared him to a servant.

"If you should ever tire of Oscar I'll take him back in the blink of an eye. Bithia is a gem as well, though a little slow. You can keep her. I imagine that her girlish innocence and plain looks appeal to Liz, yes?"

"We appreciate the help, and are forever in your debt for the gift," Zack said. He was particularly grateful for any help in caring for Liz, who required a lot of attention.

"Have you got your spiel ready for tonight?" Josh continued non-stop. " You are master of the house tonight, you know. I can't remember all the ceremony. The prayers, the order of things -- it's just too much. It's a celebration, right? We should celebrate. We're free until the next conquering army arrives! The Romans are such pigs! Always pushing to get something for nothing. Just because they're in charge, they think they have the upper hand.

"They say the governor spies on all the successful merchants. A businessman like myself must be aware that there are many less successful men who crave the crumbs that fall from his table -- or even the whole meal if they can steal it from you," Josh laughed.

God knows I've paid enough in bribes to keep the right people coming through my doors, and the wrong one's from ever finding them!"

"Joseph here has helped us produce superior results in our cabinetry and construction work. He's an experienced carpenter by trade, but more than that, he's a good judge of men -- so important these days. There are too many foreigners passing through claiming to be skilled artisans when they're really just looking for a job that pays well and requires lite effort!

"Clients will only be return customers if our work is exceptional! You know, Zack, I am going to need another contracts man," Josh continued. You know how to write well. You should come work for me? I can certainly find a place for a man like you."

"By Jehovah, my feet ache from all the walking today. Eran, how about a little oil? You're hands are strong".

Another servant appeared and whispered into Eran's ear. It seemed that everything was ready in the dining hall. The massage would have to wait.

It was time for the Passover meal -- to commemorate the Jews' liberation from captivity. "How appropriate," Zack thought. It was time for him shake off the bonds of his brother-in-law's unending chatter, to be Rabbi and conduct the Passover ritual himself. For a while, at least, they would all be free from Josh's captivity.

The men pushed themselves up from their cushions and went into the main house where the women were waiting. Josh continued to talk.

(End of Chapter 4)