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.

Yossel said no to Russian General Rumyansev, a Russian war hero. No business on Shabbos. The General learns to respect Yossel.

I picked this time and place because it fits the narrative of the Partition of Poland and General Rumyansev.

Surprisingly, many years later, General Rumyansev's son helped build a shul in that village. This makes sense in light of the story.

Dovid has been discovered by Bernadino of Siena, who has arranged for Alfonso Camenero to return him to his friend, the Archbishop of Burgos.

Dr. Sababto defends Dovid against Bernadino to prevent Alfonso from returning Dovid to Spain. The Count also has a plan to keep Dovid in Brescia. But Bernadino of Siene has the Duke and the Pope's support.

It does not look good, and Pedro is working on another escape.

The conclusion of the Art of the Sofer

Dovid is living in the count's castle, admired for his stellar artistic achievements at such a young age.

' Maybe my momma should come here to Brescia.'

Until one day when Dovid made a big mistake,

' I thought today was Tuesday!'

Dovid's hidden Jewish identity has been revealed to friends ......and enemies

A harrowing escape from Spain. Dovid follows Master Anderson to Brescia to pursue his new found passion to become an artist. Dovid is really very good......too good

Notes:

Yechiel da Pisa is a real character. His son, or grandson, was very instrumental in helping Jews escape 60 years later from the Spanish Inquisition and Expulsion of 1492

The Spanish riots and pogroms of 1391 killed many Jews, and many, out of fear, converted to Christianity.

Rabbi Joseph Abotrani was secretly helping and guiding the Jews who were secretly keeping Yiddishkeit. They were called the Conversos. The church discovered this. The Archbishop, who was once the Rav of Burgos, realized that Rav Abotrani was a threat and needed to be dealt with..... by any means.