Chapter 3, Stillenstadt, Part 2 Summary

Yankel speaks to Benjamin one evening and Benjamin sees Yankel's spiritual suffering. Yankel apologizes for his harsh words and Benjamin pours out his burden of living in Berlin. Berlin is very different from Zemyock in Poland, and Benjamin is suffering. Benjamin notices that Yankel has been beaten, but Yankel refuses to explain, though he does share the horrors of the pogrom two years before that leveled his town. Yankel hid in a well and when it was over buries every person in his village. Yankel joined a Spartacist rally, as a Jew had the right to rally and was beaten for his efforts. Benjamin goes to bed and sleeps badly.

The next morning, Yankel is gone, but three months later returns for one last visit. He looks different and is distant and indifferent. He alludes to the black market...