The time is the mid-18th century in the midst of political, industrial and social revolutions. These changes powerfully affected the Jews of Europe. The main character is Isaac Nassi, a young Jew whose adventures take him from South America to Amsterdam, Paris and the ghettos of Eastern Europe. Isaac is faced with the question of how Jews can best attain security and emancipation from the cramped and sometimes sordid life imposed upon them. Disappointed in all the apparent choices, Isaac considers escaping from Jewish life altogether. But he finds such action contrary to his dignity as a man and to his hopes as a Jew. His solution in the end is dangerous, but satisfying.