How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The goers of the Upright Synagogue had been screaming for more than two hundred years, since the Venerable Rabbi enlightened that we are always drowning, and our prayers are nothing less than pleas for rescue from deep under the spiritual waters. (3.11)
Shtetl religion is divided between those of the Upright Synagogue and the Slouching Synagogue. Those of the Upright Synagogue make religion their lives, living for the word of God… the others just carry the word of God with them in their hearts. And get to sit in comfier chairs.
Quote #2
IF WE ASPIRE TO BE CLOSER TO GOD, the Venerable Rabbi had enlightened, SHOULD WE NOT ACT LIKE IT? AND SHOULD WE NOT MAKE OURSELVES CLOSER? (3.12)
No, the Rabbi isn't talking about a Nine Inch Nails song. This is the foundation of the Upright Synagogue's belief system: they actually hang from pulleys close to the ceiling of the synagogue to be literally closer to the heavens.
Quote #3
The Upright congregants looked down on the Slouchers, who seemed willing to sacrifice any Jewish law for the sake of what they feebly termed the great and necessary reconciliation of religion with life. (3.14)
The Upright congregants literally look down on the Slouchers because they're actually higher up, dangling from the ceiling of the synagogue. Nice symbol of their superiority, right? These two groups mark a division between old-school religion and modern religion, and show how times they are a changin' in the shtetl.