the son from america
... oil instead of a kerosene lamp because there is nothing wrong with a dish of oil. The only time they would spend their money on something that was not completely necessary is when they buy three candles for the Sabbath, again because of their strong religious values. Along with the money and the letters Samuel would send them pictures of America. But neither Berl nor Berlcha could make out what was in the pictures because of their poor eyesight and they both didn’t own glasses. They didn’t have glasses not because they couldn’t afford them, which they could easily buy, but because they have made it their whole life without them so why would they need them now. It is obvious how unimportant money is to the parents when Samuel asked why didn’t they spend it, and Berl answered that they already have everything. Then Samuel asked why they don’t travel anywhere, to that his father responded that this is there home, where would they go? It is clear that the only strong values they have are based on religion. It is obvious that Samuel does not have the strong religious values that his parents have. His values are based on money. This is made clear just by what he is wearing when he returns home. He enters the hut wearing a beaver hat; his coat is lined with fur and is carrying two leather valises with brass locks. I don’t think someone would go to a small town in Poland dressed like that unless they wanted to be noticed. Also when in the synagogue alone he asks the old man if he is praying, the man responds “What else i...