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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Of all the drawings Asher makes for the mashpia, which person does he not draw?
(a) Rivkeh.
(b) The Rebbe.
(c) Aryeh.
(d) Yudel Krinsky.

2. Which character does not want to leave Brooklyn to go to Europe?
(a) The Rebbe.
(b) Rivkeh.
(c) Asher.
(d) Yitzchok Lev.

3. Which character does Asher meet in the store amidst many boxes of matzos?
(a) Yudel Krinsky.
(b) Joseph Cutler.
(c) The Rebbe.
(d) Jacob Kahn.

4. In her long weeks of studying and of waiting for Aryeh to return, Rivkeh picks up the habit of gnawing on what object?
(a) A gingersnap.
(b) A pencil.
(c) An eraser.
(d) One of Asher's paintbrushes.

5. In Chapter 4, when Asher goes to Yudel Krinsky to ask him about Russian Jewish history, what is Yudel eating?
(a) Cookies and milk.
(b) Bagels and lox.
(c) A Seder meal.
(d) Hard-boiled eggs and matzos.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Asher steal in order to use the gift of his artistry?

2. Which of the following publications does Aryeh NOT read?

3. Which museum do Rivkeh and Asher visit together?

4. What does the housekeeper feed Asher as a bedtime snack?

5. Of whom does Asher frequently dream?

Short Essay Questions

1. During Asher's struggles against going to Vienna, he asks why no one is listening to him. Rivkeh replies, "Everyone is listening. [...] There would be no problem if no one were listening to you, Asher." Explain what Rivkeh means by this statement.

2. Why does Asher miss his father so much on the first Shabbos without him?

3. What does Asher know about his paternal grandfather?

4. The mashpia talks with Asher about his behavior in school, such as his drawing the Rebbe in the Chumash. Then, he leaves Asher in the office with a notebook. What happens next?

5. Explain the Rebbe's opinion of Asher's desire to be an artist.

6. What happens to the Russian writers? How do the Levs react?

7. Describe Asher's mythic ancestor.

8. Why does Asher ask Yudel Krinsky questions about Russia?

9. What does the mashpia do at Asher's school?

10. What happened to Yudel Krinsky in Russia? Describe some of his life before coming to the United States.

(see the answer keys)

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