Summary

In Chapter 12, as he left the Rudinskys’ home, Slava realized he was back at the point at which he’d started when he tried to distance himself from his family and his culture. On his way to the subway station he spotted Israel Abramson walking, wearing his Red Army uniform. Slava followed him to a Jewish temple. Slava watched from the back as Israel lit a candle, said some words and then left. The rabbi called to Slava. Slava claimed to be Israel’s grandson. The rabbi asked if he’d ever been inside a synagogue before. Slava remembered the time he had visited the synagogue in Vienna with his grandfather. His grandfather had indicated to Slava that the worshippers were crazy, and then they snuck off for ice cream. Before he left, Slava asked the rabbi’s advice on the proper amount...