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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What instrument does the Rebbe use to make a loud noise on Rosh Hashonoh?

2. Yudel Krinsky spent many years in which geographical region?

3. In Chapter 6, in order to please Aryeh, Asher begins to put energy into learning which two subjects?

4. Yudel Krinsky begins to work in a store that sells what type of merchandise?

5. In the beginning of Chapter 5, Asher draws a picture of the burning of which building?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Asher know about his paternal grandfather?

2. Describe Rivkeh's reaction to her loved one's death.

3. Several times in Chapter 4, Aryeh explains his reasons for wanting to go to Europe to work for the Rebbe. Explain some of those reasons.

4. Why does Rivkeh want to enter the university?

5. When talking with Asher about Vienna, what does Yudel Krinsky imply when he quotes, "honor your father and mother"?

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

7. Why does Asher miss his father so much on the first Shabbos without him?

8. In Chapter 6 as Rivkeh and Asher adjust to life on their own, Rivkeh begins to talk about her grief over Yaakov's death. Which people in her life died prematurely, and how did she feel when that happened?

9. Explain the Rebbe's opinion of Asher's desire to be an artist.

10. The mashpia talks with Asher about his behavior in school, such as his drawing the Rebbe in the Chumash. Then, he leaves Asher in the office with a notebook. What happens next?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Aryeh's and Rivkeh's reactions to the Brooklyn Crucifixions. How are their reactions related to their feelings about the Jewish faith, Jewish history, and their community?

Essay Topic 2

World view is an important topic in this novel. For example, Jacob Kahn views the world as an artist, while Aryeh views the world as an observant Jew who obeys his rabbi. Choose a character and explain how his or her world view drives his or her actions and thoughts.

Essay Topic 3

In this novel, each major character strives to live out his or her purpose in life, especially as it relates to the Jewish community. Which character do you think accomplishes this the most effectively? Which character accomplishes this the least effectively?

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