Night by Elie Wiesel Chapter 1

Who is the first person to be introduced in the book, Night?

Moishe the Beadle

Where is Sighet?

little town in Transylvania

Where does Moishe the Beadle work?

Hasidic Synagogue

How do the people of Sighet regard Elie's father?

Highly respected

What interest do Moishe and Elie share?

discussing philosophy

What happens to the foreign Jews in Sighet when the Hungarian police arrive?

Expelled them from Sighet; went on trains

Several months after Moishe the Beadle and the other foreign Jews were deported, what happens to life in Sighet?

Gestapos were taking over, taking all the jews. Life was terrible

What happens to the train on which Moishe is deported?

The train crossed the Hungarian frontier and (on Polish territory) has been taken in charge by the Gestapo. The train was stopped. The Jews had to get out and climb into lorries. They were told to work (dig huge graves). Gestapos killed them when they wer

How does Moishe tell Elie he escapes the Gestapo in 1944?

he has wounded his leg and taken for dead

What does Moishe the Beadle focus on after his deportation?

told the stories of Malka to everyone;

How does Moishe's experience change him?

no joy in eyes; no longer sang; no longer talked to me of God/Cabala

How do others perceive Moishe after his deportation experience?

They refused to believe his stories. They felt that he was trying to make them pity him.
ex. poor fellow, "his imagination", etc.

In the Spring of 1944, what do the people of Sighet believe about Hitler?

He wouldn't cause harm

What troubling news do the people of Sighet learn in the spring of 1944?

Jews are living in fear/terror in Budapest. Fascists are attacking Jews.

In the spring of 1944, what does Elie wish his father would do?

Sell out, liquidate his business, and leave (go to Palestine)

How does Elie's father respond to his son's wish?

he says he's too old

After the Germans arrest the Jewish leaders during the Passover, what are the Jews required to do?

immediately surrender possessions

How does Elie's father responds to the order that Jews are not allowed to keep valuables in the house?

buries it

What is another requirement the Jews must adhere to, regarding their clothing?

wear yellow star

What does Elie's father do while living in their house in the ghetto?

give valuables to relatives who can hide them

Where does Elie's group stay after being forced out of the Ghetto?

the main synagogue

What is the condition of the main synagogue when Elie's group reaches it?

it is vandalized

What are the conditions inside the synagogue while Elie's group stays there?

crowded and unsanitary

At the end of chapter one, where do the Hungarian police send the Jews?

cattle cars to Auschwitz