How we cite our quotes: Chapter.Paragraph
Quote #1
More people came to the house than had attended the services because most of their neighbors—men and women who had known Gemma for over forty years—were Polish and Catholic and made uncomfortable by the idea of going into a synagogue, as if the church still forbade it. (4.6)
This is an interesting detail about Becca's town, which is a Polish farming community. Why do you think Gemma's neighbors found the synagogue intimidating?
Quote #2
The downstairs mirrors were all draped with cloth, not because the Berlins were religious enough to follow conservative funeral customs, but because the rabbi—who was paying his respects—would care. (4.8)
On the downlow—it's not a major theme—the book explores the difference between people who are culturally Jewish and people who are religiously Jewish. The Berlins fall into the former category, FYI. The rabbi—well, that should be a duh.
Quote #3
Then she waited while the magic of modern invention turned tap water into a hot dark-brown caffeine-powered drink. It was better than any Biblical miracle and risked no beliefs. (8.3)
We too worship at the Church of Coffee. As a matter of fact we're "praising" a cappuccino this very moment.