Chapter 2, Zemyock, Part 7 Summary

It is 1915, and the Just One pronounces that the evils of war are a direct result of the faithful turning their backs on God. News reaches Zemyock of the deaths of relatives in battle. The worst id that Jewish brother is killing Jewish brother, driving those forced into combat into madness. News of coming persecution reaches Zemyock and some flee and some do not. After several false alarms, Benjamin, Judith and Mordecai flee, turning back once to see the destruction the Cossacks wreck on their village. One soldier chases them and Mordecai kills him. All three of Benjamin's older brothers are killed. The Just Man begs the soldiers to kill him, but they only cut off his beard, denying his desire for martyrdom. All Mordecai's sons, save for Benjamin, are dead and the Lamed-Vovnik is alive. Mordecai feels betrayed...