Modern analysts have described the film as encouraging Jewish assimilation and interfaith marriage in Judaism, and as incorporating prejudiced ideas about Jews.

[1] Rupert Julian loses his legs in a trolley accident, forcing him and Leah to sell artificial flowers while living in poverty.

Moving Picture World reported that the rabbis approved of the plot and the "fidelity with which the producers had followed Jewish ceremonies and customs", but disapproved of the film's title.

[2] Also in Moving Picture World, George Blaisdell wrote a positive review of the film, but noted that "undoubtedly there will be Jews who look upon it with coldness, and some with reprobation.

"[2] Blaisdell described the film as serious, educational, and "intensely human", predicting that it "will make an especially good holiday release; and its interest will not be confined to the period of merrymaking.

"[1] In The Forward in 2019, PJ Grisar criticized the content of the film, writing that it supports "the time-worn prejudice that suggests Jews are bigoted toward Christians and stubbornly resistant to assimilation, choosing instead to adhere to the antique laws of their faith."