The story is about the miller Reb Benje, who is destined to become the Messiah. On his journey, which holds many trials, he encounters Levi Pataschnik, the moneylender, the forest dweller Simche Plachte, a cheerful man who lives on vegetables and smokes a self-prepared herb, the Polish prince Lubominski, and the landowner Pan Wrubelski. He also meets the whimsical philosopher Gimpel Sasskewitzer and the young Lilith, though she may just be an apparition. However, the Lamedwow, the 36 righteous ones who guarantee the world's survival, are very real. Despite Benje's best efforts, redemption seems elusive. Anointed with mud instead of fragrant oils, the miller rides into the city on his battered cow. It is an almost apocalyptic painting of philosophical depth and mischievous poetic charm, uniquely Moishe Kulbak's.