Immigration and Religion

The most important theme that unites these stories is the theme of immigration, specifically Jewish immigrants relocating to America. Jake mentions his Christian friend in Boston before expostulating on boxing, differentiating between Christians and Jews. Jake plans to use his pay to place a deposit on tickets to New York, a clear allusion to immigration. Jake's real name is Yekl, but he changed his name three years ago when he first stepped on American soil and began to desecrate the Sabbath; this shows the connection between immigration and forgetting religion. Jake never fully abandons the idea of bringing his wife and son to New York through pricing tickets. Jake realizes that it is impossible to import his family and continue his present life style.

Jake plans to say his prayers, but he realizes that he cannot remember his prayers by heart and borrows his landlady's prayer...