Act 1 Scene 3

It is another week later. Rivka, Malka, David and Leela are all in the kitchen. They are trying to make sense of the situation at the temple in India and what it might mean to them by referring to copies of the Talmud – Rabbinic discussions about Jewish law. David and Shmuley talk about how their respective actions have alienated their families – Shmuley wanted to become a Rabbi but his family were not religious, whilst David’s family wanted him to become a Rabbi but he refused. Malka is sceptical about their discussion – whatever they resolve she feels that they will ultimately be told what to do by those in power in Jerusalem. Rivkais still upset about the lack of clarity – the wedding is days away.

When he is alone with Malka, Shmuley admits that he is worried that Rivka is marrying too young – he fears she might rebel. Malka tries to reassure him. David reappears and is excited – he feels that he has resolved the issue and that the wearing of the wig might be allowed.

The phone rings and the news is that some wigs have been banned because of the Indian hair. Shmuley prepares to burn Rivka’s wig – it’s what others in the community are doing. He tells Malka to take off her wig too.

Rivka retrieves her wig from the fire and puts it on and David becomes increasingly upset. He is agitated about what others will say; he does not want to break the rules.

When they are alone Malka and Rivka drink and talk. Rivka confesses that she felt no physical attraction to David. Malka tells her of an affair that she had with a woman when she was young and that although in her heart she wanted this woman, the right thing to do was to go back to her husband and live a ‘proper’ life.

Rivka is still confused and asks Shmuley how you know if you really love someone. He tells her you can never know, there is always doubt and one must always struggle.