1. The community of the Kirschners takes everything the Rav Elijah says to be the final word in how they live their lives--and treats him as someone very close to God. Does the Rav see himself that way?

2. Why do the members of this orthodox community stay so close to the teachings of Rav Elijah--even when they go against their own inclinations or desires? What is so important to them about this community?

3. Why is Elizabeth so dependent on Isaac's support to open her store? If she could have seen the Rav by herself, would she still need Isaac's blessing?

4. Why is Isaac so ready to support Elizabeth in a new job--after her store has been shut down and she gives birth? What does this say about the way he views her--and her role in their family?

5. Andras and Nina's marriage was also of their own choice, yet it has been unhappy for many years. Why?

6. How has Andras's relationship with his sisters both helped and harmed him over the years? Was he too dependent on them to become a true part of his own family--with his wife and children?

7. Jeremy has been a confirmed bachelor throughout his adult life. How much of that is out of rebellion to his family and community?

8. Isaiah's wife, Rachel, is more vocal about the Rav's mistreatment of her husband. Her ambitions for her husband are high--but she still holds the position of Rav in reverence. How can she respect someone she's so angry with? How does she reconcile those feelings--or does she?

9. How are Cecil's rebellions--marrying Beatrix, speaking out for Zionism, having a naming ceremony for his daughter--different from Jeremy's? Why do people accept his behavior more readily than Jeremy's, and why is he happier?

10. Elizabeth and her daughter Chani are both rebelling against the conventions of the community in their own ways. Will this make it easier on Chani if she decides to go to Israel?