INT. ZEB AND TAMAR’S HOUSE – EARLY MORNING

  Zeb steps into the room where Thomas is sleeping and gives him a light shake.

  Zeb (softly but firmly):

  Tzuriel, come on—we’re leaving in 15 minutes.

  Thomas wakes immediately, moving with quiet urgency. Fifteen minutes later, he’s dressed and ready by the door.

  Zeb (raising an eyebrow):

  That was quick.

  Thomas (with a small smile):

  In the past, I was taught to be ready to go in 15 minutes—shower, dressed in church clothes, and out the door to visit members.

  So… this was easy.

  Zeb (grinning):

  I think I want to hear more about that sometime.

  They head out together.

  INT. SHUL – MORNING

  The building is warm with familiar voices and a gentle rhythm of people preparing for prayer. As Thomas enters, an older man who saw him the day before gives him a teasing smile.

  Older Man (with a grin):

  Two days in a row. You trying to make us proud, young man?

  Thomas gives him a slightly puzzled look. Zeb chuckles softly and leans in.

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  Zeb (low voice):

  I think he’s just trying to encourage you.

  Zeb then turns to the others in the room, raising his voice slightly to address them.

  Zeb:

  He’s staying with me over winter break—I’m hoping to help him get comfortable here.

  A middle-aged man approaches with a warm expression.

  Ezra Weiss:

  Hello there—I’m Ezra Weiss. How about I help you get your things on this morning?

  Zeb (smirking):

  I think you just want a few minutes to get to know him.

  Ezra (grinning):

  You bet. Where’s his stuff?

  Zeb:

  Back drawer—bottom left.

  Ezra leads Thomas toward a series of drawers in the back. He pulls one open and hands Thomas a tallit and a tefillin bag. Thomas recognizes the bag—it’s nearly identical to the one he saw yesterday. But this one has his Hebrew name embroidered on it.

  Ezra (gentle):

  This was from Iona. He had it made for you—but he wanted to wait until you came willingly before giving it.

  Thomas touches the embroidery thoughtfully, his fingers brushing over the Hebrew letters.

  Ezra (warmly):

  I know you’re still new to this, so let me show you where to find the prayers.

  He patiently walks Thomas through the blessings for the tallit and tefillin, his tone a steady guide.

  Ezra:

  Tefillin is as much about you showing your commitment to God… as it is about God showing His commitment to you.

  Thomas nods slowly, absorbing the words. They make their way back to the sanctuary, where Ezra sits beside him. The cantor’s deep, powerful voice rises in prayer, rich and melodic. Thomas lets himself be drawn in by the music—the chant wrapping around him like something ancient and alive.

  He follows along, not trying to force fluency. When they reach the Amidah, he reads it quietly in English, taking in the words with focus and calm. This time, he doesn't feel like an outsider—he just feels present.

  Ezra (quietly, after the service):

  If you’re around during break, we can go over it more so you’ll feel more comfortable.

  But today—you did a good job. You stayed in the moment. That matters.

  I hope to see you tomorrow.

  Zeb:

  We’ll be here tonight and tomorrow.

  Ezra (smiling):

  Good news indeed.

  As they walk out, Thomas feels a little more at ease—less like a guest and more like someone learning where he fits. A voice calls after them from the crowd, warm and teasing.

  Congregant (playfully):

  We just need to get him talking more—so we can get to know our new member!

  Thomas smiles faintly, his eyes lowered but his heart open. He's not all the way in. But he's on his way.