It’s no secret that Aimee Bender is one of my favorite short story authors. Her stories make me feel open, and tender, and a little crazy. They mash strangeness and simplicity and truth together in a way that feels really real. If you like this story, do yourself a favor and check out The Color Master or any other Bender story collection.

“The Doctor and the Rabbi” was published online by Tablet magazine in 2012. Please read it.