Everything Is Illuminated Chapter 8 Summary

How It All Goes Down

Another Lottery, 1791

  • In this short chapter, another lottery (obviously) is held, this time to name the shtetl.
  • Nominations:
    • Gefilteville
    • Time Capsule of Dust and String
    • SHTETL OF THE PIOUS UPRIGHTERS AND THE UNMENTIONABLE SLOUCHES WITH WHOM NO RESPECTABLE JEW SHOULD HAVE ANYTHING TO DO UNLESS THE HOT SPOT IS HIS IDEA OF A VACATION. (That will never fit on a map.)
  • The name "Sofiowka" wins, but mainly because that crazy old man seems to have rigged it.
  • The Well-Regarded Rabbi decides that they can't change the official name, but they need to call the town something else.
  • Once again, he draws a random piece of paper and Yankel's suggestion wins: Trachimbrod.