Jews Without Money

Mike’s family often welcomes newly arrived Jewish immigrant families and introduces them to life in America. Most move on in a few days, but some outstay their welcome and take advantage of the generosity of Mike’s mother. A man named Fyfka the Miser stays for seven months, infuriating Mike’s family. He is an awkward, annoying presence in the house, and he whines about having no money if anyone suggests that he find a new place to live. However, Fyfka has a good job and pays no rent. He quickly manages to save $200 and hopes to start a business. His only problem is that he “needed women.” As much as he wants to save his money, he is overcome by physical desire, so he stares at the neighborhood prostitutes. People make fun of Fyfka for being “the madman who wanted a woman, but was too stingy to pay the regular price of fifty cents” (77). A former sailor named Mendel taunts Fyfka, and Mike remembers how much Mendel charmed the local community, even though he often took advantage of people in the same way as Fyfka. Mendel’s force of personality and charisma make him well-loved, while Fyfka’s miserly tendencies make him resented.