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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 2, when Asher begins to go to Yudel Krinsky's store for conversation, he feels that he has to buy something every time. What does he buy first?

2. On what subject matter does the mashpia teach?

3. Aryeh and Asher wear what type of traditional hairstyle?

4. Where does Asher go after school when Aryeh is out of town?

5. Who stays in Brooklyn with Asher while Aryeh moves to Europe?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the class's and the teacher's reactions to Asher's drawing in a Chumash. Why do you think they react in this way?

2. How does Aryeh react to the Rebbe's decision to allow Asher to study under Jacob Kahn?

3. In Chapter 6, Rivkeh takes Asher to the Parkway Museum (also called the Brooklyn Museum). Describe their experience there.

4. In Chapter 6 as Rivkeh and Asher adjust to life on their own, Rivkeh begins to talk about her grief over Yaakov's death. Which people in her life died prematurely, and how did she feel when that happened?

5. According to the mashpia's instructions, there are three types of Jews. List the types and explain them briefly.

6. Out of a deep longing to learn to use oil paints, Asher steals several tubes of oil paint and several brushes from Yudel Krinsky's store. What does he do with them? Why do you think he does this?

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

8. Describe Rivkeh's reaction to her loved one's death.

9. Several times in Chapter 4, Aryeh explains his reasons for wanting to go to Europe to work for the Rebbe. Explain some of those reasons.

10. Describe Asher's mythic ancestor.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Aryeh Lev risks his health and at times his life to help bring Russian Jews to safety, even though Rivkeh and Asher worry about him intensely. Do you think Aryeh makes a wise decision to travel abroad for the Rebbe, or do you think he would have been wiser to stay in Brooklyn? Write your idea of what might have happened if Aryeh had stayed in Brooklyn during Asher's artistically formative years.

Essay Topic 2

"Vocation" is a word that describes one's choice of career as a way to fulfill one's personhood. This novel heavily emphasizes vocation as a way to follow God. Compare and contrast Aryeh's choice to travel for the Rebbe with Asher's choice to become an artist. Do you think they choose appropriate vocations to express who they are on the inside? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

In this novel, each major character strives to live out his or her purpose in life, especially as it relates to the Jewish community. Which character do you think accomplishes this the most effectively? Which character accomplishes this the least effectively?

(see the answer keys)

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