"That sounds delightful." I picked up a pencil and sticky pad off the corner of my mother's desk and drew little rabbi stick figures with X's through them.

"Before this new age is introduced," Mom said, "the world will experience vast economic fluctuations, social upheaval, and widespread despair. It'll culminate with the opening of the Gates of Alexander and the release of the most terrifying demons Gog and Magog."

"Do you know anything about the Ring of Solomon?" I added ...