Chapter 1
Elie begins as a very religious and studious boy that is intrigued by the wonders of life explained by his religion. He spends much time in the synagogue, and eventually develops a friendship with Moishe the Beadle. Although he resorts to denying the theories of Nazi cruelty to come, he does take precautionary measures by trying to persuade his father to leave the country. As the passage progresses, Elie starts to lose hope and become very anxious when the Nazis begin their tyranny.
- “…in 1941. I was almost thirteen and deeply observant. By day I studied Talmud and by night I would run to the synagogue to weep over the destruction of the Temple.” Page 3
- “…my place was in the house of study, or so they said.” Page 4
- “I had never asked myself that question. I cried because… because something inside me felt the need to cry. That was all I knew.” page 4
- “Why did I pray? Strange question. Why did I live? Why did I breathe?” page 4
- “Even I did not believe him. I often sat with him, after services, and listened to his tales, trying to understand his grief. But all I felt was pity.” Page 7
- “I had asked my father to sell everything, to liquidate everything, and to leave.” Page 9
- “I was up at dawn. I wanted to have time to pray before leaving.” Page 18
- “I looked at my house in which I had spent the years seeking my God, fasting to hasten the coming of the Messiah imagining what my life would be like later. Yet I felt little sadness. My mind was empty.” Page 19