Rhabbi
The most painful part of writing is taking some brilliant bit of allegory or worse yet cleaver dialog and slashing it away because it really is superfluous to the telling of the tale. I know we readers would marvel at your brilliance if you were to leave it in but does it really advance the story? Don't try to cram, figure out what the story needs to say then slice judiciously.
yours
Mad
Rhabbi
Let me know when you're down to 1900 words and I'll make you an offer. Free and clear title on your soul for an extra 200 words maybe?
Lews