Summary

September 1944 marks the beginning of the new Jewish year. Collectively, a religious zeal and enthusiasm is alive in the camp as about ten thousand gather together to pray together. Elie accuses God of forsaking them. During the holy days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Jews are supposed to fast and pray. Chlomo forbids Elie from fasting as a means of survival, but Elie refuses to fast as an act of defiance against God.

After he and Chlomo survive yet another terrifying selection process, Elie is transferred to a building unit where he has to drag heavy blocks of stone. He grows increasingly fearful for his father’s health. The captives have to run past Dr. Mengele to demonstrate their vitality to avoid being selected. Chlomo is initially chosen for selection and bequeaths his remaining possessions to Elie; however, he returns and reclaims his belongings...