Air Raid Shelter

The place at which Friedrich Schneider's neighbors must make the ultimate moral decision of whether to obey the Nazi laws or the universal imperative to save the defenseless. A sergeant stands up for Friedrich and the people back him enthusiastically, until the warden, Resch, threatens to turn them all in. The sergeant caves in and asks Friedrich to sacrifice himself willingly.

Bar Mitzvah

This is the day on which a thirteen-year-old Jewish boy becomes officially a man, responsible for his own behavior rather than being under his father's care. The candidate studies for weeks to learn the portion of the Torah he will read and to prepare a speech. The narrator accompanies Friedrich to the synagogue to observe his friend's great life passage.

Herschel Meyer Department Store

The swanky department store in which Herr Schneider finds a managerial position after being fired from his civil...