How we cite our quotes: Story Number.Paragraph
Quote #10
Like Jacob of old, I was exiled from my village with all my worldly goods, with my children and grandchildren, as their edict required. They made an utter ruin of my property and poor belongings; even my horse had to be sold […] [Russians are] sweeping and clearing out and uprooting every trace of a Jew! As we say in yaaleh veyavo, so as there shall be no sign—nothing will remain of their presence. […]The hooligans were set loose on Jewish cities and villages and given a free hand. They destroyed Jewish property and goods as it says in the Siddur: they shattered windows and tore bedding. I remember once telling you that I was not surprised by such things. I do not scare easily. If it happens, it happens. If it is fated, an edict from heaven, then how can I be an exception among Jews? As we say in the chapter, Each Jew hath his share. (10.1-4)
Here, Tevye is describing a horrific episode of ethnic cleansing in early 20th-century Russia, but it's totally cool because he can find plenty of ways to compare it to other stuff that happened in the Bible. Maybe this is comforting or whatever, but it also makes it seem like the idea of wiping Jews off the face of the earth is just a pattern that happens, and so should just be ignored or somehow absorbed into the cultural fabric. Which seems problematic at best, no?