Dmitry found favor in the eyes of the feared and dreaded Czar Nicholas I. He was brave, well-liked, and most importantly, a quick-witted thinker.

He was being trained in the Czar's most secret elite service. The Czar was ready to promote Dmitry, but something was discovered in the files that was going to change everything for everyone.

Military service was made compulsory for Jews in Russia in 1827, the age for the draft being established as between 12 and 25 years. Some were as young as 8. The objective of the Russian authorities was to alienate the cantonist children from their own people and religion.

For more info on this topic

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/cantonists

I used information for this story from the book The Cantonists: The Jewish Children's Army of the Tsar

Dave was touring Rome and suddenly went on a mission to find his baby's pacifier. He became intrigued by a confrontation at the Arch of Titus between a tour guide and a young Jewish boy. He found something else that he did not realize he had lost.

It is said that the victors write history.

But this is not necessarily true when it comes to Jewish history, as you will find out in this episode of the Bein Hashmoshos Zone.

Young Shmilik, the only son of elderly parents, has been taken by the Russian army. The general said 5000 rubles would get him released. Only Mr Holtzer, the wealthy land baron could help. But he is never interested to help others.

The Rebbe has a plan, but Shmilik's parents and the townspeople do not understand the Rebbe's actions.