"Yes, yes, those were times, those were soldiers. . . . It is all different now: new times, new people, new soldiers. . . .
"It is all make-believe nowadays! . . . ."
NOTES BY THE TRANSLATOR
Av.
The month in the Jewish calendar corresponding to July-August.
On the ninth day of Av the Temple was taken and destroyed by
Titus.
Arba-Kanfos.
Literally "four corners." A rectangular piece of cloth about
one foot wide and three feet long, with an aperture in the
middle large enough to pass it over the head. The front part of
the garment falls over the chest, the other part covers the
shoulders. To its four corners "Tzitzis," or fringes, are
attached in prescribed manner. When made of wool, the
Arba-Kanfos is usually called TALLIS-KOTON (which see).
Bar-Mitzwah.
Literally "man of duty." A Jewish boy who has passed his
thirteenth birthday, and has thus attained his religious
majority.
Beadle.
The functions of this officer in a Jewish community were
somewhat similar to those of the constable in some American
villages.
Candles.
The Sabbath is ushered in by lighting the Sabbath candles,
accompanied by a short prayer.
Cantonists.
A term applied to Jewish boys drafted into military service
during the reign of Nicholas I of Russia (1825-1855). Every
Jewish community had to supply its quota; but as parents did not
surrender their children willingly, they were secured by
kidnappers specially appointed by the Community for the purpose.
See CATCHER. The same term was applied to the children of
Russian soldiers who were educated for the army in the so-called
District, or Canton, Schools. Hence the name.
Catcher.
An agent of the Jewish community prior to the introduction, in
1874, of general military duty in Russia.