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Rifka's Escape
Rifka had to leave her hometown of Berdichev, Russia with her mother, father, and two brothers. They all escaped on a train by tricking two guards with the help of a very close friend. This is where their journey began. -
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Rifka's Journey
From September 2, 1919 to October 22, 1920, we learn about Rifka's journey to America. She learned a great deal through these difficult times . -
Rifka's Polish Border Examination
Rifka and her family had reached Poland's border. They had to take their clothes off which made them very uneasy. However, if they wished to continue on with their journey, they had to. -
Rifka gets sick.
Rifka caught typhus on their jouney so they had to remain in Poland. They could tell no one about her illeness because they would not want to catch it. Eventually, the entire family caught typhus and their journey was even more delayed. -
Saul and Rifka make it on their own.
Since everyone had typhus except for Saul, he decided to get a room and a job. Rifka was beginning to get better so she could not go to the hospital. They needed money while the rest of the family was sick. Rifka also got to visit her mother at the hospital after attempting it several times before. -
Their Journey Begins Again
Once Rifka's family is better, they get back on a train to contine their journey. On the train, Rifka met a girl with a baby. Even though the girl had missing patches of hair and sores on her head, Rifka said she would fix her hair up. -
The Jouney for Rifka ceases
Rikfa and her family had to have one more examination before the rode on a boat to America. However, there was bad news for Rifka. She had caught Ringworm from the Polish girl on the train. Rifka could not travel to America. -
Rifka Stays behind
A woman from the HAIS told Rifka and her parents that they had to leave her behind in order for it to get better. Her family had to continue their journey so they could send money to Rifka while she was getting treated. Rifka had to travel to Belgium to get treated. -
Rifka's Longing
Rifka watched the children play outside her window. She was afraid to play with them though since she had no hair. The nun who was treating her recommended that she should go out and get some fresh air, but Rifka was reluctant to do so. -
Rifka Becomes Brave
Rifka finally decided to journey around the city. She got lost on her way and frightened by a large man. A milkman who reminded her very much so of her uncle helped her home. Rifka was very grateful to the man. -
Rifka's Discoveries
Rifka decided to go and play with the children outside. Also, she decided to explore the city some more. She found ice cream, chocolate, and bananas. Finally, Rifka was beginning to feel at home. -
The Journey Begins Again
Rifka's Ringworm finally cleared up, so she was able to travel to America. She bought a ticket for a small steam ship so she would not have to ride in steerage. -
Rifka Makes a Friend
While heading across the Atlantic Ocean, Rifka became friends with one of the sailors, Pieter. She told him all about her family and her experiences in Belgium. Pieter though that Rifka was very brave and kissed her. After that, she decided to write a poem about how she was feeling. -
The Storm
There was a terrible storm and Pieter told Rifka that she had to go below deck. The conditions were awful and the passengers stayed there for two and a half days. When they finally were allowed out, Rifka leared that Pieter had died in the storm. Just when she thought all was wrong, she found hope in Lady Liberty. She had arrived in America. -
Rifka is Denied Entry
As soon as she arrived to Ellis Island, they told Rifka she had to stay in the the hospial for contagious diseases even though her ringworm was cleared up. She then discovered that the real reason for her being held up was because she had no hair and the country would not want to have to support her if she could not marry. -
Rifka Makes a New Friend
While sitting down, she noticed a young boy was not eating. When she asked what was wrong, he said he did not want to eat so he would be sent back home. Rika convinced Ilya to eat. She learned that he was Russian, something that her family would not like. -
Saul Makes a Visit
Finally, Saul came to visit Rifka. She learned that he was going to school and her parents, as well as her brother Nathan were working. Then, Ilya dropped Rifka's Puskin by accident and Saul got upset that she was reading it since it was Russian. Rifka then gives all the money she saved to Saul since the family needed it. -
Mama Visits Rifka
Rifka's mother came to visit her on Ellis Island. Rifka explained what her life has been like since they left for America. Her mother was shocked by her lack of hair but was not suprised. Rifka's mother also met the child that she had to take care of that had typhus. Her mother was very impressed. -
Rifka Has Bad News
The baby that Rifka was taking care of on Ellis Island had died. Not only was she worried about that, but her head began itching again which was not a good sign. Rifka was worried that she would be sent back to Russia. -
Rifka's Last Entry
Rifka's family and Ilya's uncle arrived at Ellis Island make sure they could enter America. Ilya was pusuaded into reading from Pushkin and was accepted in. It also turned out that that his uncle loved him very much. Then, it was Rifka's turn. The doctor's already knew she could read and speak, but they had to check her head. When they did, they learned that her head was only itching because her hair was beginning to grow back.
