Mary Antin

We are not born all at once, but by bits. The body first, and the spirit later; and the birth read more

We are not born all at once, but by bits. The body first, and the spirit later; and the birth and growth of the spirit, in those who are attentive to their own inner life, are slow and exceedingly painful. Our mothers are racked with the pains of our physical birth; we ourselves suffer the longer pains of our spiritual growth.

As we moved along in a little procession, I was delighted with the illumination of the streets. So many lamps, read more

As we moved along in a little procession, I was delighted with the illumination of the streets. So many lamps, and they burned until morning, my father said, and so people did not need to carry lanterns.

In the evening of the first day my father conducted us to the public baths.

In the evening of the first day my father conducted us to the public baths.

First, you had to have a tutor at home, who prepared you and talked all the time about the examination read more

First, you had to have a tutor at home, who prepared you and talked all the time about the examination you would have to pass, till you were scared.

One positive command he gave us: You shall love and honor your emperor. In every congregation a prayer must be read more

One positive command he gave us: You shall love and honor your emperor. In every congregation a prayer must be said for the czar's health, or the chief of police would close the synagogue.