The Magic Barrel

Content Warning: This section of the guide describes elements of racism that appear in the source text. The source text of “Angel Levine” also employs antiquated racial terminology, which this guide obscures.

Manischevitz, a tailor buffeted by one tragedy after another, views his life as something of a cruel cosmic joke. Within a few years, his only son has died in “the war,” his shop has burned down, his wife has fallen ill, and he himself is impacted by back pain that makes it impossible to work. One day, his prayers to God are seemingly answered by the uncanny appearance of a Black man in his apartment who claims to be an angel of God. The man, who calls himself Levine, claims to be a Jewish angel on “probation” who cannot yet perform miracles. The very orthodox Manischevitz refuses to believe that Levine is an angel, for he expects Jews, especially Jewish angels, to be white, and the man’s shabby, ill-fitting clothes do not help his case. The sad-eyed Levine rises to leave, adding that he can be found in Harlem if needed. The next day, Manischevitz’s back feels better, and his wife is able to sit up in bed.