The Boy On The Wooden Box

Life in the ghetto is cramped and unsanitary, and illness is rampant. Food is scarce, and Leon suffers from constant hunger. The Jews find various ways to resist the Nazi oppression and maintain a dignified existence. They conduct religious services and hold impromptu shows and musical performances, and young people pursue romantic relationships, some of them leading to marriage. Tsalig falls in love with Miriam, a girl next door.

Leon develops a relationship with the optimistic Mr. Luftig, a man in his mid-fifties who, with his wife, lives alongside Leon’s family. Mr. Luftig tells Leon stories about America and his son, who lives in New York City; he says one day he will take Leon there. Mr. Luftig takes great joy from his collection of pipes, even though he has no tobacco, and Leon appreciates the orderliness of the collection.

Schindler agrees to hire Leon’s brother David at Emalia, and Leon begins working at a brush factory to bring home some extra money and food. In June, the Nazis round up the Jews and deport them out of the city, ostensibly to a more comfortable life in the countryside. Leon sees Germans marching Mr. Luftig and his wife among the other deportees, and Chanah tells Leon that Mr.