I just thought you ought to be told: Avimelekh is in Zubinsk, and he could be here as soon as this evening.”
-- The rabbi (2 )

Importance: The rabbi of Tupik is warning Shulamis that Avimelekh is likely to arrive in Tupik. He does not have to say that Yehuda Leib is in danger. At this point, Yehuda Leib does not know Avimelekh is his father, but Shulamis reacts to the rabbi's news by sending Yehuda Leib away.

Bending low, the Messenger dipped his nail deep into the eyes of Yehuda Leib's father – first the right and then the left – and, delicately, he scooped out a small point of light from each and tipped it into the palm of his left hand. And, just like that, the body in the snow was vacant – nothing more than cooling meat.”
-- Narrator (4 )

Importance: This is Yehuda Leib's view of what happens in the moment after Avimelekh's death. From Yehuda Leib's...