Book V Summary and Analysis

Gluckel writes about the sickness and death of her husband and father of her children. On January 11, 1689, Chayim is doing business when he stumbles and falls on a sharp stone that makes him return home in great pain. Gluckel helps empty his pockets since he cannot move. He falls on a ruptured spot that twists his bowels. Gluckel wants to call a doctor but Chayim does not want the world to know lest his children be thought to have weak blood. He has her call a Sephardic physician Abraham Lopez, he knows. Dr. Lopez cannot heal him so he brings in a rupture-cutter who cannot help either. Gluckel has two physicians, another rupture-cutter and more doctors but no one can help. His brother Joseph comes to pray and beg forgiveness. Gluckel and Feibisch Levi pray as he dies in...