The meeting between Alek and Reb Menashe is similar. Although Reb, seems to be less inclined to state that belief is different. His aversion to the lack of modesty (his definition of modesty that seems to require every bit of flesh to be covered), in the room is a topic of his innermost thoughts. However, he does realize that his perceptions are just that: his own. He recognizes this, and because the immigrants in the room do not feel ashamed, perhaps they are innocent.12 He and Alek are entirely different from each other, but their conversation is beneath the surface, and “both understood each other.” This conversation is less like preaching and more like advise as Reb suggests remaining a “captive Jew.” The rabbi, although certainly more
