Mrs. Kaputnik’s
Pool Hall and Matzo
Ball Emporium
By Rona Arato
Book Club Guide by Irit Eliav Levin, MSW
This book club guide is designed to be used by parentchild book clubs. At the end of the guide, you will find
activities that your book club can do together. Some
book clubs may choose to create one session for answering questions and another for
doing one or more of the activities provided in this guide. Feel free to use as much or as
little of the guide as is helpful to your club!
Historical Context
In the early 1900s, the lower Eastside of New York became home to thousands of new
immigrants from all over the world. In 1910, a few years after this story takes place, “the
two-square mile area of Manhattan’s Lower East Side housed 542,000 Jews, making it
the most densely populated area in the world at that time.” (The Golden Land: The Story
of Jewish Immigration to America by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin) Many of these Jews
worked to support each other, as is evidenced by the characters in this story.
1. The Kapustin family and the villagers of Vrod are terrified when they hear that the
Cossacks are coming. The years 1903-1906 brought a wave of pogroms, attacks
against Jews, to many towns in Russia. As a result, many Jews fled, mostly to
the U.S. and Canada. What role do you think the pogroms played in the
Kapustin’s decision to leave Vrod?
2. How do you think Shoshi felt when the soldier grabbed her? How do you think
Mrs. Kapustin felt?
3. The conditions on the ship for third class passengers were pretty terrible for
many immigrants. How would you have felt if you had been a passenger on that
ship? What would you have done to make the journey more bearable?
4. Salty tells Shoshi and Moshe that the immigration officials were tough. On Ellis
Island, many people had their names changed, were separated from their
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families, and much more. Learn more about Ellis Island by visiting their website including searchable passenger lists, understanding the history, and much more!
5. On the Statue of Liberty is the poem The New Colossus, written by a Sephardic
Jewish woman - Emma Lazarus. Read the poem together. Do you think families
like the Kapustins were what Emma had in mind when she wrote the poem?
6. Igor telling Mr. Kapustin that his family had been killed in a pogrom is especially
cruel, considering what was happening in Russia at the time. How did you feel
when you learned that information?
General Discussion Questions
1. The women in Vrod gather at the well to get water. This became a place to
socialize, check in with one another, and stay connected to their community.
Where do we go today to build connections with others?
2. Shoshi’s mother says that her children learning English will help her as well. How
do immigrant children help their parents navigate a new land?
3. How would the story have been different if Moshe had sold the egg back to the
peddler at the beginning of the story?
4. The baker’s wife is consistently cruel to Mrs. Kapustin. What do you think makes
her behave this way? Mrs. Finkelstein is also mean to the Kapustins. Why do you
think there was so much rivalry between the women in this story?
5. When the villagers see the gold coins, they quickly try to claim them - arguing
that the money should go to the synagogue, the village, etc. What made them
think they had a right to the money? Does anything similar happen today?
6. Mrs. Kapustin believed that Mendel would look out for them, since families are
supposed to care for one another. How do you think she felt when Mendel and
his family betrayed them?
7. Shoshi worries about her mother on Ellis Island, until she learns that the doctors
there have translators. What about situations (even today) where people need
medical help but a translator isn’t available?
8. The inspectors think Mrs. Finkelstein is crazy. What would you think if you saw
her behavior? After the rude way she treated the Kapustins, do you think she
deserves what happens to her? Why or why not?
9. The Kapustins get admitted to the U.S. partially because they have relatives and
a place to stay. What do you think happened to the people who didn’t have those
resources available?
10. Salty keeps people off the ferry boat with a sign that says the boat was for “very
sick people with contagious diseases.” What do you think of this plan?
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11. Why do you think Bernie was so unhappy to meet his Russian family?
12. Snigger shows up at just the right moment to rescue Shoshi and Moshe several
times throughout the story. Many times, pets are able to find and protect their
owners, even if they had been far apart. What do you think connects animals and
humans in such a strong way?
13. Many early immigrants had to deal with shady characters like Nick the Stick.
Why do you think these individuals had the power that they did? What could have
been done to stop them?
14. Mr. Shmuel encourages everyone to work together against Nick the Stick. How
can people work together to address violence in communities?
15. Snigger helps Shoshi and Moshe make new friends. Even Ziggy, who had once
been so mean to them, decides to let them into the gang. How can pets help
people connect with one another?
16. It seems like people knew that Nick the Stick has enslaved someone to work for
him. Why do you think no one did anything to rescue him? Today, there are still
people in the world who are enslaved. What can we do to help?
17. The official rules of Major League Baseball state that “The bat shall be a smooth,
round stick not more than 2 3/4 inches in diameter at the thickest part and not
more than 42 inches in length. The bat shall be one piece of solid wood.” If the
rules were the same at the time this story takes place, these bats are not
allowed! Why do you think this made such a difference for the Yoinkles players?
18. What do you think gave Snigger the courage to fly at the exact right moment?
What gives you courage?
19. Were you surprised to learn that Mr. Thornswaddle was a private detective? Do
you think that was why he did so much to help the Kaputniks?
20. How did you feel when you learned that the baseball factory had been shut down
by the police?
Personal Reflections
1. Shoshi and Moshe learn English by reading American newspapers. Have you
ever tried to learn a new language? How did you practice?
2. Some people like their matzo balls soft and fluffy. Others prefer them more solid
and dense. Which do you like best? Why?
3. It was pretty creative of Moshe to use the matzo balls as a weapon against the
Cossacks. If the water hadn’t boiled all the way down, the balls wouldn’t have
been hard enough. Some people might say that this was fate. What do you
think? Do you believe that things sometimes happen for a reason?
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4. The Kapustins had to leave family and friends behind to go to America. How do
you think it felt to leave everyone and everything they had ever known? If you
had to leave your home, what do you think would be the hardest to leave behind?
5. The Kapustin’s name gets changed at Ellis Island due to a misunderstanding.
This happened to many immigrants. How would you feel if such a core part of
your identity, your name, was taken away from you?
6. Shoshi and Moshe trust Salty, but Mrs. Kaputnik is reluctant to do so. How do
you decide who to trust?
7. Mrs. Kaputnik eventually embraces her new name. What do you think it would be
like to start a brand new life somewhere new?
8. Shoshi and Moshe both try a banana for the first time. They have very different
reactions. What would you think if you were eating a banana for the first time?
9. In Vrod, even if the women sometimes gossiped, the community still took care of
one another. Do you have a community that takes care of each other? What role
do you play in helping to take care of others?
10. The Kapustin’s first Shabbat meal in NY is made up of whatever was on hand in
the restaurant. Think about the food you have in your fridge, freezer, and pantry
today. How many meals could you make with what you have on hand? What
does that tell you about your life?
11. Many people took in boarders during this time period. How would you feel if you
had to share your home with strangers?
12. Mr. Thornswaddle said that he “removed himself from the scene to allow [his]
brain time and space to come up with a solution to [the Kaputnik’s] predicament.”
Have you ever stepped away from a problem and returned to find you had the
answer? Is this similar to what people mean when they say they will “sleep on it”?
Why do you think that walking away can be helpful?
13. The Shmuels seem like wonderful partners for the Kaputniks. When people move
to a new place, they often have to create their own new families out of friends
and neighbors. Do you think that is what happened in this situation? Do you have
any people in your life who are like family, even if they are not related to you?
How did you meet them? How did the relationship evolve?
14. Mrs. Kaputnik taught her children “if you are going to make a wish, why not wish
for the best?” How can you incorporate this lesson into your life?
15. Mrs. Kaputnik and Mrs. Shmuel quickly make friends with the women in the
neighborhood. As communities become more isolated, many people don’t have
that same sense of connection with their neighbors. Do you know your
neighbors? Would you hang out and socialize with them?
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16. The Kaputniks believed that Dingle Hinglehoffer was their friend. Then, they
learned that he stole Snigger! How would you feel if someone you thought was a
friend stole something important to you?
Jewish Practice
1. Ruth’s mother says that the baker’s wife “has a razor for a tongue. May it cut her
words to pieces so they can’t do any harm.” She also says “gossip is a disease.
Do not catch it.” Why are words dangerous? Judaism teaches us to avoid Lashon
Hara, the evil tongue. What are some ways you can incorporate this mitzvah, the
commandment, into your life?
2. Mrs. Kapustin recognizes that her children will have an easier time learning
English and absorbing the customs of the new land. This idea is not new to
Jewish tradition. In Pirke Avot, the Ethics of our Ancestors, we learn the following
quote from Elisha ben Abuyah: “When a person studies as a child, to what may
he be compared? To ink written on fresh paper. When a person studies when he
is old, to what may he be compared? To ink written on blotted paper.” What do
you think of this idea? Are there some things that are easier to learn as a child?
Are there some that are easier to learn as an adult?
3. Jewish tradition teaches the importance of caring for family members. Mendel
and his family completely betray their relatives for money. How would the story
have been different if they had honored Jewish teachings about family? How did
you feel when you learned what they had done?
4. In Israel, there are many programs in place to help new immigrants - including
ulpan (classes to teach Hebrew), aid societies, and more. Do some research into
Israeli support for immigrants. What can we learn from their example?
5. The Kaputnik’s chose to keep their restaurant closed on Shabbat. For many new
immigrants coming to America, working on Shabbat was a major issue. It went
against their religious principles, but many employers wouldn’t let them take the
day off and they needed to support their families. Even people who owned their
own businesses couldn’t risk losing a day of income. How would you have dealt
with that situation? What choices would you have made?
6. Mrs. Shmuel covers her hair with a scarf. Many married Jewish women do this to
honor the laws of tzniut, modesty. Some Jews believe that a woman’s hair should
only be seen by her husband and family. What do you think of this idea?
7. Mrs. Kaputnik has to make her matzo balls completely from scratch. How has the
abundance of Jewish products now available in many places changed the
dynamic of Jewish cooking?
8. Shoshi makes a sort of “pro/con” list comparing Russia and America. While
Russia had more nature and a more connected community, it is the freedom
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available to Jews that makes her decide that America is her home. What do you
think? What freedoms do you appreciate most about living in a free country?
Questions for Kids
1. Mama hires Fievel to teach the children English in preparation for their future
lives in America. What are you doing today to prepare for your future?
2. Shoshi worries when her mother doesn’t know what will happen next in America.
She always felt that her mother could fix any problem. Do you ever feel that way
about your parents? What happens if they don’t know the answer to something?
How do they comfort you when you are scared?
3. Mendel and Saul Kapustin seem to have a complicated relationship. How could
they have been better siblings to each other? If you have siblings, how can you
make sure you have a good relationship?
4. What do you think of Moshe’s matzo ball/tin can game? Would you want to play?
5. The kids in the book make a blood oath to one another. Today, we know that this
is a dangerous thing to do. What can you do instead to make a serious promise?
6. Ziggy feels like he cannot trust grown-ups. What do you think caused him to feel
this way? Do you trust grown-ups? How do you know when to trust them or not?
7. The count teaches the children that magic is “what you believe it to be.” Do you
believe in magic? Are there parts of your life that you believe are magical?
8. The children decide to let Snigger join the circus in order to let him be safe and
happy. Have you ever had to say goodbye to someone you loved because of
something that would be better for him or her?
Questions for Parents
1. Throughout the story, mama displays tremendous hope - from bringing them to
America to believing that their lives will turn out well once they arrive. What do
you think gave her such strong belief? What hopes do you have for your family?
2. Children tend to emulate their parent’s behavior. How do the actions of Uncle
Mendel and Aunt Sadie contribute to Bernie’s negative behavior?
3. Mrs. Kaputnik clearly misses her husband very much. How do you think she
managed as a single mother for all of those years?
4. It is Mrs. Kaputnik’s optimism and faith that give her children courage. How do
you encourage your children to remain positive when things are tough? How do
you keep them positive when you yourself are feeling frustrated?
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5. Mr. Kapustin is very brave in protecting his children against Nick the Stick. What
are some things you do to protect your children?
6. Mrs. Kaputnik says to her husband, “when we got married in Vrod, I took your
name. Now, in this world, you can take mine.” Today, there are many traditions
about families creating names together when two people get married. If you are
married, what did you and your spouse decide to do? What are some of the
choices made by your friends and other family members?
Activities
Screen Time:
1. Watch this clip from the movie An American Tail. What do you think the
immigrants thought their life would be like in America? What do you think were
their actual experiences? How is this similar to the Kaputnik’s story? Watch the
whole movie and compare the two stories if you have time.
2. There is a fun song called Puff the Kosher Dragon. What do you think of this
song? Are there parts that you agree or disagree with? What do Puff and Snigger
have in common? If they were real, do you think they might be friends?
3. There used to be many organ grinders all over the world, who would play their
organ and use a monkey to entertain their audiences. Today, very few organ
grinders exist, partially due to animal rights concerns about the monkeys. This
organ grinder uses a humorous approach to address this issue. What do you
think of organ grinders? Would you want to watch one if you saw them?
4. Nick the Stick asks them for $25 from the restaurant. $25 a week was an
incredible amount of money in those days. Enter $25 into this inflation calculator
to see how much it would be today. Remember, this story is happening when
Theodore Roosevelt was President of the United States. What would $25 buy
then? What would it buy today?
5. Have you ever seen amber? If not, look at some pictures of it online. Does it look
like it has magical powers?
General Activities:
1. To learn more about Jewish life at this time period, check out the Lower East
Side Tenement Museum, especially their education section which includes
activities, primary sources, and more to understand more about the life of
immigrants (not just Jews) in this era of American history.
2. Fievel’s university career is cut short because he was no longer able to afford the
tuition. This is still true for many people who cannot afford to go to school. What
can your book club do together to support them in these efforts?
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3. Bernie picks on Shoshi and Moshe for being “greenies” because they are new to
America. What could your book club do to help ensure that new immigrants today
are welcome and cared for appropriately?
4. Mrs. Kaputnik drinks her tea with a sugar cube between her teeth. This is an oldfashioned custom. Have you ever drunk tea this way? Purchase some sugar
cubes and tea for your book club to give it a try. It’s fun! Talk about why you think
this tradition began and why it likely faded away.
5. Mr. Thornswaddle teaches the children how to market their business. If he was
teaching marketing today, what would he teach them? Develop a modern day
marketing plan for Mrs. Kaputnik’s Pool Hall and Matzo Ball Emporium. How
would you encourage people to come to her restaurant?
6. The Kaputniks seem to use the matzo balls for everything! What other uses for
matzo balls can you imagine? Hold a competition in your book club. In small
groups, work to create a list of as many uses for matzo balls as you can! Judge
the competition based on longest list, most creative uses, etc.
7. Make matzo ball soup! Enjoy it as part of a snack or meal with your book club.
8. Several of the names in this book are quite humorous - Aloysius P.
Thornswaddle, Dingle Hinglehoffer, and Yicky Stickyfingers. It seems the author
had fun creating these names! Make a list of silly names you would use if you
were writing a book for young adults or children!
9. Try using matzo balls for games! Get some cans (or even plastic cups) and see if
you can use matzo balls to knock them down. Did it work? Does this give new
meaning to the phrase “playing with your food?” (Warning: This activity is likely to
get messy! Only try it in a place with an easy to clean floor!)
10. Mr. Kaputnik acknowledges that the spider in the piece of amber is probably
different from any that exist today. Archaeologists and Paleontologists have
learned a lot from fossils like this. Have you ever seen a fossil? What did you
notice about it? Take a trip to your local science museum. Did you see any
amber or fossils? What did you learn there?
11. Go to a baseball game or watch one on TV. Watch the batters. Can you see why
a lighter bat might make a difference?
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