Garde 1 - Read-Aloud Supplemental Guide

Fables and Stories: Supplemental Guide 8A | The Crowded, Noisy House 137

Presenting the Read-Aloud 15 minutes

The Crowded, Noisy House

 Show image 8A-1: Man and rabbi talking

Once there was a poor Jewish man. This man did not have much

money nor did he have much luck. The poor Jewish man went to

speak with his rabbi.

[Remind students that a rabbi is a teacher in the Jewish religion; some Jews go

to a rabbi to seek help and advice.]

“Rabbi,” the man said, “you must help me. My life is terrible. I live with

my wife, our five children, and my mother-in-law. There is only one

room for the eight of us.”

[Invite students to close their eyes and imagine what it might be like to have

eight people living in one room.]

“The children, they cry and fight.”

[You may wish to have the first group say their line.]

“My wife, she screams a lot.”

[You may wish to have the second group say their line.]

“My mother-in-law, she kvetches—she complains and whines—about

everything!”

[You may wish to have the third group say their line. Then have all three groups

say their lines together.]

“It is crowded and noisy and horrible, I tell you. Honestly, Rabbi, I

don’t think it could be any worse!”

The rabbi rubbed his chin as he pondered—and thought deeply

about—the man’s situation.

[Act out pondered.]

“My son,” he said, “If you will promise to do as I tell you, your life will

get better. Will you promise?”

“Yes, yes!” said the man. “I promise.”

“Tell me,” said the rabbi, “do you own any animals?”

“Yes,” said the man, “I have a goat—”