The Conversion of the Jews

“Anyway, I asked Binder if He could make all that in six days, and He could pick the six days he wanted right out of nowhere, why couldn’t He let a woman have a baby without having intercourse.”

Roth juxtaposes the sacred and profane with the way Itzie and Ozzie discuss theological questions around the omnipotence of God. This is also the question that Ozzie makes Rabbi Binder answer to his satisfaction at the end of the short story.

“What Ozzie wanted to know was always different. The first time he had wanted to know how Rabbi Binder could call the Jews ‘The Chosen People’ if the Declaration of Independence claimed all men to be created equal.”

This quote presents a humorous paradox for Ozzie’s community as both Jews and Americans. The paradox puts into question long-held beliefs and presents an existential quandary for the story’s protagonist. Ozzie’s relevant and insightful questions suggest that he genuinely seeks understanding. His interrogation of the rabbi is not merely a matter of adolescent rebellion.

“As she touched the flaming match to the unlit wick of a Sabbath candle, the phone rang, and Ozzie, standing only a foot from it, plucked it off the receiver and held it muffled to his chest. When his mother lit candles Ozzie felt there should be no noise; even breathing, if you could manage it, should be softened.”

This is a moment of religious reverence for Ozzie and his mother. He quickly silences the phone to allow his mother to have a peaceful, ceremonial moment. The tender moment between mother and son is juxtaposed with violence immediately after this scene when Ozzie’s mother strikes him.