Woody is caught between his father's Jewish faith and his mother's Christian beliefs. Describe the main incident in “A Silver Dish” to a rabbi or minister and note the guidance they might offer to a young person who sees a parent engage in illegal activity.

Many YMCAs, such as the one in Evanston, Illinois mentioned in the story, offer room rentals. Reach out to a local YMCA to learn about their rental policies, including who can rent, the pricing, and their reservation procedures.

Woody shares a unique connection with his father, which is absent between Morris and his daughters, and between Woody and his mother. Investigate Sigmund Freud’s “Oedipal Complex” theory and discuss how it might relate to Woody's interactions with each of his parents.

The music of the 1930s often conveyed hope for a brighter future. Listen to several songs from the Depression era and determine which character, “Pop” Selbst or Mrs. Skoglund, would resonate more with the lyrics. Justify your choice.

Bellow notes that Woody is responsible for his sisters, who live with their mother. After their mother passes away, what social services could they access to support themselves independently?