Bread Givers

Sara gets a job and brings all her earnings home to Reb Smolinsky. Reb Smolinsky and Shenah fight because Reb Smolinsky gives their money away to societies and charities. Many people come to Reb Smolinsky for his matchmaking advice. After Zalmon the fish-peddler’s wife dies, he asks for Reb Smolinsky to find him a young wife to mother his six children. Reb Smolinsky tells Shenah that he wants Bessie to marry Zalmon. Zalmon agrees to the match, but Bessie tells Reb Smolinsky that she does not want to marry him.

The next day, Reb Smolinsky buys Bessie a new dress to wear when Zalmon visits. Zalmon arrives, and Shenah and Reb Smolinsky make Bessie put on her new dress. Bessie refuses to speak, and eventually, Zalmon leaves. Bessie tells Sara that she feels trapped because her only options marrying Zalmon and staying with Reb Smolinsky. Zalmon visits again with his youngest son Benny. Bessie is drawn to Benny and takes care of him. A few days later, Bessie and Sara pass Zalmon’s house and learn that Benny is sick. Bessie and Sara find Benny in bed with a fever, Bessie sends for a doctor. When Zalmon gets home, he tells the doctor that Bessie will take care of his children soon, and Bessie does not contradict him.