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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the phrase used to describe the origin of things that are not holy or good?
(a) Sitra achra.
(b) Shabbos.
(c) Ribbono shel olom.
(d) Krias shema.

2. Because Rivkeh must study at night, Asher develops the ability to sleep through the noise of what object?
(a) Typewriter.
(b) Eraser.
(c) Telephone.
(d) Phonograph.

3. What is the prayer Asher recites before going to bed?
(a) Psalm 23.
(b) Our Father.
(c) Krias Shema.
(d) Baruch Attah.

4. Aryeh and Asher wear what type of traditional hairstyle?
(a) Shaved head.
(b) Mullet.
(c) Goatee.
(d) Sidecurls.

5. What job did Yudel Krinsky have in Russia?
(a) Fixing furnaces.
(b) Making hatpins.
(c) Selling paper and paints.
(d) Making brooches.

Short Answer Questions

1. While Asher is waiting to see the Rebbe, the other man in the waiting room is doing what?

2. Which character does Asher meet in the store amidst many boxes of matzos?

3. Which character does not want to leave Brooklyn to go to Europe?

4. At the end of Chapter 4, Asher hears that which Russian prisoners have been released?

5. What objects does the mashpia provide in order to see Asher's gift?

Short Essay Questions

1. The scene when Asher meets Yudel Krinsky for the first time becomes a very important subject for Asher's art. What is Yudel Krinsky doing at the moment of meeting Asher? How does he act?

2. What does Asher know about his paternal grandfather?

3. During Asher's struggles against going to Vienna, he asks why no one is listening to him. Rivkeh replies, "Everyone is listening. [...] There would be no problem if no one were listening to you, Asher." Explain what Rivkeh means by this statement.

4. Whenever Aryeh leaves for a trip, Rivkeh says, "Have a safe journey, Aryeh." In Chapter 5, Asher begins to develop a sensitivity to Rivkeh's underlying emotions. Describe what Rivkeh is feeling when she says goodbye to Aryeh.

5. What happened to Yudel Krinsky in Russia? Describe some of his life before coming to the United States.

6. At the beginning of Chapter 4, Asher draws Stalin many times. How do Aryeh and Rivkeh react to Asher's renewed interest in drawing?

7. At the end of Chapter 3, Asher draws a picture of Stalin in his notebook without realizing it. What do you think is happening in Asher's mind when he draws things without being aware of it?

8. Where does the Lev family spend their summers? What do they do there?

9. How does Aryeh react to the Rebbe's decision to allow Asher to study under Jacob Kahn?

10. Why does Rivkeh want to enter the university?

(see the answer keys)

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