Emma is very excited. “Mom, Dad,” she says excitedly, “You know Joshua, the new boyfriend of mine I met only a few weeks ago? Well, he wants to marry me and I think he’s just perfect for me. It was love at first sight.”
“Mazel tov, darling,” shouts Fay, as she rushes over to Emma and gives her a big hug and kiss. “I’ve been waiting for such news for some time.”
“Well I hope he can support you,” Izzy says to Emma. “What does this boy of yours actually do for a living?”
“He’s a cantor, dad,” she replies.
“Well, that’s not good news,” says Izzy. “I’ve always said that no daughter of mine is going to marry a cantor. If you insist on marrying him, I won’t be there to see it.”
Emma breaks down crying and begs her father to change his mind, but to no avail. Then she has an idea. She suggests that at least he should go see Joshua in action, especially as his shul is within walking distance. Reluctantly, Izzy agrees.
The following Shabbat, Izzy keeps his promise and goes to Joshua’s shul to see him in action. Emma is waiting on the doorstep when he returns home and immediately asks, “Well, Dad, what did you think of him?”
Izzy replies with a wide smile, “Mazel tov, my darling Emma. I think Joshua will make a good husband for you.”
On hearing this, Emma cries with happiness. “Oh, Dad, I’m so, so happy. But tell me — why have you changed your mind?”
“I haven’t,” replies Izzy, “but Joshua is no cantor.”