Batsheva Jacobs

Batsheva Jacobs could be considered the main character in this story as she is the focus of the action. Batsheva is the widow of Benjamin Jacobs who was killed in a car crash about two years prior to the time period of the novel. She has a daughter, Ayala, who is almost five years old. Batsheva has decided to move to Memphis, the town where her late husband grew up, believing that the small community will be good for her and Ayala. She wants her daughter to be raised in the same atmosphere as her husband.

Batsheva was not born Jewish, but converted to Judaism after she met her husband. She still has an excitement about her new religion as well as a desire to learn about the reasons behind the Jewish rituals. This excitement and desire to learn sets Batsheva apart from the other members of...