Jack
Ashamed—what have I got to be ashamed of? Shall I tell him I’m ashamed because I worked like a slave to get my big opportunity? Did I come home broke? Did I ask for anything? No. I came home because it looks like I’m going to be successful, and I wanted to share it with you.
Cantor
I don’t want to share anything with you! Go back to your sidewalks!
Jack
[As he packs his bag]. All right, all right. You’re not giving me a chance, that’s all. Why do you think I came home? I came home because I want to have your love again—that’s why. I came home because I thought I could bring together all the things in my life that are dear to me, that made me happy from the time when I was a little kid till now—singing and playing in the streets—the East Side—shooting craps—baseball—my mama—my papa—the synagogue,—and now my work in the theatre.
Cantor
Don’t you mention the word synagogue in this house again!
Sara
Yosele, couldn’t you listen to him? Couldn’t you see he is trying to tell you something?