In Jean Amery's On the Necessity and Impossibility of Being a Jew, a mother praying when a household misfortune occurs. Follows is a description of the household:

At the threshold of the home, there is a large round oak table. On top of the table is spread a red tablecloth that drapes over the table like newly fallen snow on a tree, that reaches the floor and brushes the legs of the four chairs tucked neatly next to the table. The chairs stand on a brightly polished wooden floor that glistens like a reflection in a mirror. The walls are adorned with small framed photographs and artwork. The frame of one picture is black iron and weaves its way around a picture of the family in a circle. Behind these pictures is an old wallpaper print, small red flowers on a yellow and brown striped background. A hutch dominates the wall, like a lone oak tree in a forest of pines, showing off all of the good silverware and china in the glass doors. In the center of the room there is a plush green couch. The arm sleeves have been knocked askew and point toward the center of the couch, as if they had a mind of their own. A large braided carpet lies in the middle of the floor. The couch faces the direction of a small television with antenna and two small knobs. Next to the television is a three-shelf bookcase which holds dozens upon dozens of books. Red, green, gray, black and brown spines of books face out toward the living room, like soldiers at attention. To the right of the couch sits a small wooden rocking chair with a yellow crocheted blanket draped over it. Directly behind the chair is a bay window. White curtains hang off its sides like morning dew dripping from leaves. The path between the couch and the chair leads into the kitchen. The walls are painted white and the floor is covered in large burgundy tiles. The entire kitchen glistens like a pearl. In the center of the room there is a small metal breakfast table with four padded chairs. To the right is a white refrigerator, and a gas stove. The glass cabinets display dozens of patterned dishes and cups. The sink holds no dishes. Back in the living room, next to the stair landing and front door there is a mirror and hat rack. Upstairs the family is sleeping soundly.