Steinheim is a wealthy and magnetic Jewish construction mogul in Newark. Alvin works as Abe’s driver for a time, and though Abe offers to send Alvin to college and help him make something of himself, Alvin resents Abe. Though Abe is Jewish, Alvin sees Abe as an affront to Jews, since he is flamboyant about his wealth, narcissistic, and committed only to small shows of generosity while remaining unconcerned with the plight of his community.