I would like to thank Max McGuinness, whose dogged research helped me penetrate some of the mysteries of life among eighteenth-century Jews, and whose knowledge of the French Enlightenment was crucial to my own understanding; Suri Weingott, who welcomed me into her home, allowing me a view of her family life, its rituals and traditions; Rabbi Ellen Lippmann, Rabbi Scott Fox, Shulamit Kadosh, and Julia Bolus, for their advice and expertise; Gene Spiotta, for opening up the world of fire rescue and the culture of volunteering, as well as being an inspirational figure; Jane Spiotta, for her hospitality and the tours of Patchogue; Peggy Gormley, for the hours inside the eruv in Far Rockaway; my agent, Sarah Chalfant, for her early enthusiasm and constancy; my editor, Jonathan Galassi; my dear Daniel, Gabriel, Ronan, and Cashel, who have helped shape this book, each in his own way.