"Friday Evening (1930)" Summary

With the narrator's father looking for a job, his mother does other people's laundry, much to her shame. Frau Schneider watches the narrator in her apartment. The six-year-old notices something on their doorpost, and Frau Schneider explains how the mezuzah helps Jews remember God and his commandments. As sundown nears, the narrator watches Frau Schneider prepare for the Sabbath meal. The brilliant white tablecloth, loaves of bread, candles, and wine glasses strike the narrator. Friedrich appears in his best clothes, Herr Schneider arrives from work, and prayers and blessings commence in Hebrew. The narrator partakes of the wine and bread, and takes home some pears when they hear downstairs his mother return.

"Friday Evening (1930)" Analysis

The narrator takes in stride the Sabbath celebration in which he participates, when his mother is late in returning home. Friedrich is obviously excited...