Book IV Summary and Analysis

Gluckel tells about two Jews and a burgher, or citizen, in Norway. The burgher has many uncut diamonds from an East Indian ship that the Jews hear about. The Jews discover where he hides his stones, take them and leave in the night. The burgher hires a boat to chase and catch the thieves who toss his treasure overboard to claim innocence. Gluckel exhibits "Thou shalt not steal" by their confession after torture. One thief turns Christian to save his life. The other keeps his Jewish belief and is put to death; this exhibits another commandment to "Love thy God with all thy soul" as atonement for his sin.

Chayim and Gluckel decide to visit his father and mother in Hildesheim since they have not seen them in twelve years. Gluckel still nurses her son Mordechai as they spend...