Ozzie Freedman is a very inquisitive 13 year old boy, not necessarily one who is against the religious beliefs he grew up with, but just someone who asks questions that are important to him. Unfortunately as seen throughout the story, this can often get him in trouble (1861-1863). His reverence to his religion can been seen when he watches his mother light the candles for the Sabbath. It was said that Ozzie thought there should no sound when his mother lit these candles, and like his mother whose eyes were starting to tear, Ozzie felt his own eyes getting glassy (1863). This proves that Ozzie takes his religion very seriously, and has a deep appreciation for it. When reading in his Hebrew book during his religion class, Ozzie read slowly so he could understand the words, even though he was taunted by Rabbi Bin

As shown on the very first page of the short story, Itzie is not the type to ask questions, he keeps his mouth shut so he can just breeze through what he has to do in order to make it through his Jewish classes. Itzie is also very immature compared to Ozzie, their opening conversation in the story shows us of their different communication skills. Itzie was thrilled and shocked with the fact that both Rabbi and Ozzie had used the word “intercourse” in class that day, and it wasn’t even Ozzie’s point to the story (1861-1862).

Though he has his rebellious ways, Ozzie is not a bad kid. simply It seems like the only reason he becomes angry is the fact that none of his questions are getting a direct answer. It’s imaginable that the sort of treatment he received from the Rabbi could get to a frustrating breaking point, and he is just acting out his dissatisfaction. However, his best friend Itzie Lieberman is nothing like this.

Ozzie’s actions at first might be thought of as an act against his Jewish religion, but the boy only wants to learn more about it. The reason behind Ozzie’s true love for his religion may be from his family’s ability to center their whole lives around it. Although little is said about Itzie’s family, perhaps his family’s religious practices is something that they feel the must do, not something they love doing like Ozzie’s family does. For all these reasons Itzie actions can prove the theme the best. It is obvious that Itzie has a small amount of admiration for his religion, that his beliefs are no more than skin deep. Unless of a miraculous change

Some topics in this essay:
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