Letters from Rifka

Consider the definition for empathy you explored in pre-reading activities. List Rifka’s empathetic reactions to others throughout the novel. Choose the 2-3 situations in which she demonstrates the most empathy; explain your rationale for your selection. By contrast, is there a character or situation in Rifka’s journey that shows or symbolizes a lack of empathy? Explain. How does the author convey the message that this trait will benefit the individual who is empathetic, as well as those around them?  

Teaching Suggestion: Rifka is a particularly empathetic individual, and students will find examples of her empathy throughout the novel. For example, she braids the Polish girl’s hair (despite the presence of disease as well as the mistreatment of her by Polish people); she befriends Ilya (although he belongs to the community that mistreated her family in Russia); and she nurses the baby with typhus on Ellis Island. Rifka is able to see past the prejudices and stereotypes in the condition of each human, a quality that Doctor Askin highlights is indicative of her future success in medical work. Students might work in pairs to list Rifka’s empathetic actions and discuss ideas and examples as they address the questions.