The love of Nissim for his widowed sister-in-law, Rosa in the Old City of Jerusalem at the turn of the century. Under (very old) Jewish religious law, Nissim has the duty and obligation to marry his childless sister-in-law on the death of his brother. He is very fond of her and grows to love her. However, he is only eleven, and newly single Rosa is not interested in either child-rearing or remarriage. She starts to work in a Hamam (bath-house) as a laundrywoman and a tailor at nights. Meanwhile, Nissim is fired from home and they live together for two years. He learns But when he learns cotton ginning and makes money in this way, he starts to act like an adult and insults her, so she shoos him away. 5 years later, he comes back with marriage in mind. Their conflicts and growing love resolve in a satisfying conclusion.