Gittel Gittel will you write to me from America Raisa asked Yes Gittel answered and you can write back and tell me how Frieda likes living with you Gittel turned to Mama who was standing in the doorway wiping one of her eyes with the worn white handkerchief she always kept in her pocket Can’t we take Frieda with us she asked for the hundredth time No Gittel Mama replied also for the hundredth time We cannot bring a goat to America Now come inside and set the table The sun is about to set and it’s time to light the candles for Shabbos
Mama Mama lit the tall white candles and she and Gittel circled their hands three times to gather in the Sabbath light
Together they sang the blessing and then sat down to eat
