Mr. and Mrs. Ezekiel Raphel have four children: Eddie, Lilie, Sybil, and Thad.

Eddie and Mr. Raphel are the central characters; Sybil and Hal Kent, the children's young American friend, are important as narrators and interpreters of the story.

Mr. Kent and Mr. Raphel present an interesting contrast as fathers. Mr. Kent is a successful executive who, even though he is usually away on business, provides his son with the security of love, material necessities, and a good education. Hal's only stated complaint is that Doris, the maid, serves small food portions. On the other hand, Mr. Raphel dedicates his life to teaching Judaism to poor children, rejecting many offers to teach children of wealthier parents and to earn a much better income. As a result of this decision, he does not spend time with his family or provide them with basic necessities such...