At the start of the book, Elie is 12, he is the third child and the only son. He is really observant. He lives in Sighet, Transylvania. His siblings are Hilda, Bea and Tzipora. He is sad because his father told him that he is too young for kabbalah. He sees his three siblings and his parents as well as Moishe the beadle. He says and does prayers, he learns kabbalah. He hears prayers. His pains are that his dad doesn't show emotions towards the family but cares more about the community. His gain is he found a master for learning kabbalah, who is Moishe the beadle.
