In the late 19th century, Yankel Bogovnik, a Jewish immigrant from Eastern Europe, has settled in New York City's bustling Lower East Side. Assimilating into American culture, he adopts the name Jake and finds work as a sewing machine operator. Living a secular life, Jake indulges in the freedoms and opportunities that his new homeland offers, distancing himself from his traditional roots. This comfortable routine is disrupted when his wife Gitl and their young son Yossele finally arrive from Europe. Gitl, still steeped in traditional customs, finds herself at odds with Jake's Americanized lifestyle. Struggling with the cultural and personal changes, Gitl attempts to navigate the new world while maintaining her identity.

As tensions rise between the couple, Gitl is forced to adapt to her challenging environment, with help from fellow immigrants who understand her plight. Jake's desire for independence and modernity clashes with Gitl's adherence to traditional values, creating a rift in their relationship. The narrative explores themes of assimilation, identity, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of the American Dream. Through Gitl's journey, the complexities of immigrant life and the struggles of maintaining one's heritage in a new land are poignantly depicted.