The action of running off after his confrontation with the Rabbi shows us again of his lack of respect, even though the respect levels of both individuals seemed neutral. Another defiant point came when Ozzie decided to run back and forth on the roof of the temple, making the firefighters do the same on the ground below, hoping to catch him if he jumped. This is a very poor way to treat people who are trying their best to save his life (1865 - 1868).
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.
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).
Itzie like Ozzie can be disobedient, but in a completely different way. Itzie makes obscene jesters and dirty looks to his mother when her back is turned, Ozzie has true affection for his mother (1862). Could Itzie be resentful to his mother for making him actively participate in something he could care less about? It seems it could be likely simply because of his attitude when it comes to religion class. .
Through the conversation between Ozzie and Itzie in the beginning of the story, Itzie's "appreciation" for God can also be understood.
