GOING FIRST CLASS

The flight was full. Babies were crying, children were running up and down the aisles and adults were standing around, cramped from sitting in their small, economy class seats for so many hours.

The harassed stewards and stewardesses were used to this scene, but it still didn't help them do their job. Trying to maneuver food and beverage carts between the narrow aisles was challenging enough.

Add turbulence and overtired passengers milling around, and the job became next to impossible. With practiced patience, they suggested, requested and cajoled the people to please take a seat, so that everyone could be served efficiently and quickly.

Mr. Berger was very uncomfortable. No matter how he tried to sit, there simply did not seem to be enough space for all his body parts. His legs were crushed into the seat in front of him, his arms held closely to his body to avoid bumping the person seating next to him (who had grabbed the armrest first!), and his back was twisted awkwardly.

The arrival of the first meal did nothing to cheer him up. Unwrapping the foil covered plate, his small portion of chicken and droopy carrots seemed to stare up at him pathetically, almost begging him to simply "eat me and put me out of my misery!"

The droning hum of the engines and constant noise made it hard for him to concentrate on the Daf Yomi he tried to learn, yet sleep eluded him. His pillow had disappeared hours ago and his blanket kept sliding each time he turned trying to find a comfortable position.

Giving up in frustration, he unbuckled his seatbelt and got up. Perhaps a walk in the aisle would relax his muscles a little. Slowly he walked to the back of the plane. Turning around, he retraced his steps and walked to the front, only to stop
when faced with a curtain blocking his way. Peeking around it, he eyed the first class section like a naughty little boy knowing he may be caught any moment.

At first glance, his eyes didn't even take in the differences between coach and First class. All he noticed was that there were empty seats. No crowding, no noise, and three empty seats. Without a second thought, he slipped around the curtain and sat in the first vacant seat he reached.

What a difference! Spreading his long legs was done with ease and a footstool at the end made him feel like he was finally in bed. The extra wide seat was so comfortable, with a plump pillow cushioning his head. Ignoring the private movie screen attached to each seat, he soon lost himself in the Daf; the quite and relaxing atmosphere helping him concentrate on the complicated sugya. Feeling his eyelids grow heavy, he closed his eyes and before he knew it, was fast asleep.

He was soon awakened by the voice of a stewardess. "Sir, I don't seem to recall you being here previously" she said.

"I wasn't," Mr. Berger replied. "Coach was so crowded that I sat here instead. It is really is much, much nicer you know!"

"I'm very sorry, sir, but you must return to your original seat immediately! First class is only for those who bought seats here." "I like this so much more, that I am willing to upgrade right now." Mr. Berger informed her. "Now that I realize what a difference there is, I will happily pay the full price, regardless of how much it costs" he ended confidently, settling in to ‘his' seat more comfortably.

"I'm really am very sorry sir," the stewardess replied, "but up here in the sky we don't sell seats. All business must be completed while still down below. Once you are already here, it is too late to make any changes."

As Mr. Berger dejectedly made his was to the back of the plane, he replayed the stewardess's words in his mind.

"I'm very sorry sir, but up here in the sky we don't sell seats. All business must be completed while still down below. Once you are already here, it is too late to make any changes."

Buckling into his economy class seatbelt, Mr. Berger quickly opened his sefer. The message was not lost on him. It still was not too late to change
seats in a different shomayim.