Shmuel and Atalia’s Unequal Courtship

Judas

This thread follows Shmuel’s growing desire, Atalia’s guarded invitations, their intimacy, and the limits she places on it.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

An Attraction Named in Advance

Warning and Desire Atalia’s Rule Atalia tells Shmuel not to fall in love with her, noting that previous residents have tried. Shmuel’s Response Her warning does not prevent his fascination; each departure feels like a small disappointment. The courtship begins with knowledge of its likely imbalance.

A Paper Boat A Paper Boat from "Judas". A Small Invitation Kitchen Encounter Shmuel makes Atalia a paper boat and tries to turn his loneliness into conversation.

A Paper Boat from "Judas". A Small Invitation Kitchen Encounter Shmuel makes Atalia a paper boat and tries to turn his loneliness into conversation.

A Small Invitation Kitchen Encounter Shmuel makes Atalia a paper boat and tries to turn his loneliness into conversation. Permission to Speak She listens as he tells her about Yardena, but refuses his generalizations about women. The exchange allows warmth while exposing the limits of his ability to speak to her as an individual.

The First Shared Walk The First Shared Walk from "Judas". Walking at Her Pace Outing Atalia takes Shmuel to a film and a restaurant, then walks home beside him.

The First Shared Walk from "Judas". Walking at Her Pace Outing Atalia takes Shmuel to a film and a restaurant, then walks home beside him.

Walking at Her Pace Outing Atalia takes Shmuel to a film and a restaurant, then walks home beside him. Physical Distance He puts an arm around her, but she later moves it aside and says she wants no man for herself. The outing grants closeness while making the difference in their expectations unmistakable.

A Dawn Appointment A Dawn Appointment from "Judas". An Uncertain Excursion The Invitation Atalia asks Shmuel to accompany her on a surveillance assignment at Mount Zion.

A Dawn Appointment from "Judas". An Uncertain Excursion The Invitation Atalia asks Shmuel to accompany her on a surveillance assignment at Mount Zion.

An Uncertain Excursion The Invitation Atalia asks Shmuel to accompany her on a surveillance assignment at Mount Zion. A Conditional Answer She permits his questions and later puts his frozen fingers in her mouth, then says they will see. The gesture intensifies his hope but offers no assurance of a relationship.

A Tender, Limited Affair A Tender, Limited Affair from "Judas". Intimacy Without Definition Care and Sex Atalia washes Shmuel, later sleeps with him, and sometimes stays close enough to teach him how to return pleasure.

A Tender, Limited Affair from "Judas". Intimacy Without Definition Care and Sex Atalia washes Shmuel, later sleeps with him, and sometimes stays close enough to teach him how to return pleasure.

Intimacy Without Definition Care and Sex Atalia washes Shmuel, later sleeps with him, and sometimes stays close enough to teach him how to return pleasure. Unspoken Terms She avoids discussing what their encounters mean and eventually sends him away as his foot heals. The relationship is real but cannot become the stable future Shmuel wants.

Shmuel’s first interview

About three weeks after his arrival

A few weeks after Shmuel arrives

Before sunrise, late winter 1959–1960

During Shmuel’s recovery