At the Henry Street Hebrew School, Mr. Goldblatt, the new teacher, finished the days lesson. It was now time for the usual question period.

Mr. Goldblatt, announced little Joey, theres somethin I cant figure out.

Whats that Joey? asked Mr. Goldblatt.

Well accordin to the Bible, the Children of Israel crossed the Red Sea, right?

Right.

An the Children of Israel beat up the Phillistines, right?

Er — right.

An the Children of Israel built the Temple, right?

Again youre right.

An the Children of Israel fought the gyptians, an the Children of Israel fought the Romans, an the Children of Israel wuz always doin somethin important, right?

All that is right, too, agreed Mr. Goldblatt. So whats your question?

What I wanna know is this, asked Joey, What wuz the grown-ups doin all that time?