Shtetl in Russia

Clara and her family begin their story in a small shtetl in Eastern Russia near Kiev. This setting is described primarily as Clara relates to her environment, and her perspective privileges the abundant nature that surrounds the shtetl. Clara describes in depth the many forests, rivers, and meadows she spends her time in, as well as the abundance of animals in these places. Clara’s relationship to nature is clearly important to her identity and guides her development as a healer using natural remedies. The village community in this setting functions in relation to the religious beliefs held by its occupants. Clara and her family’s daily activities reflect the value systems of their particular Jewish traditions as they pertain to gender and service to their religion. The women maintain the economic trade and sale of goods while the men continue to conduct their daily prayers...