Book III Summary and Analysis

Gluckel and her husband take in a boarder named Mordecai to represent them in Poland. He is a Polish native from Danzig where seed pearls for jewelry are plentiful. Mordecai does well there until he is betrothed to marry six months later. Despite Chayim's advice to return to Danzig, Mordecai decides to trade wine on his own in Germany. Mordecai travels on foot from Hanover to Hildesheim and is attacked by a poacher who kills him. Judah Berlin becomes their house-guest. He is a nephew of her brother-in-law Leffmann and related to her husband. Chayim asks Gluckel if he might replace Mordecai. Judah takes the Danzig assignment for two years and their daughter Mata is born. A rumor and fears develop about Sabbatai Zevi who is believed to be the Messiah but turns out to be a Messianic pretender...