Milkweed

The Milgroms celebrate Hanukkah. At the beginning of the chapter, Mr. Milgrom tries to explain to Misha that Hanukkah spans eight days and that within that time, they must be happy and proud of their Jewish heritage. Misha remembers hearing these words the year before during Hanukkah, when Mrs. Milgrom had forbidden Misha from participating. Mr. Milgrom tries to explain the definition of happiness to Misha, comparing it to the taste of an orange, but Misha has never tasted one. Mr. Milgrom tries a different analogy, comparing happiness to first being cold, then warm. Misha thinks he understands and sees that Janina is no longer happy.

Janina does not want to participate in the festivities. Mr. Milgrom lights the first of eight candles on their silver candle holder and though he tries to get Janina to sing and dance, she is reluctant to join in. A while later, Mr. Milgrom gives the children each a present: a comb. Misha combs excitedly through his and Janina’s hair, watching as lice and lice eggs fall down the back of their necks.

The next day, Mr. Milgrom notices that the silver candle holder has been stolen.