Act 1, Scene 8 Summary

The scene begins showing a village street and the interior of Motel's tailoring shop. Motel and Chava are inside and villagers are passing by outside. A man is selling bagels and other villagers talk about the change in marriage arrangements. Everyone is shocked that the change was from a wealthy man to a poor man.

Mordcha is behind the news at first, but Avram tells him the new arrangement. Mordcha says that it's terrible news, but he immediately pops into Motel's shop to say, "Mazeltov." Another woman speaks to Motel's mother, Shandel, saying that she can't believe the news. Shandel bridles, asking what's wrong with her son. The woman excuses herself with another Mazeltov.

Other villagers step into the shop to congratulate Motel, and Motel asks one of them, Yussel, if he has a wedding hat for him. Yussel answers that...