what is the meaning of the beard and skullcap that vladek's father is shown wearing in the panels on page 46

"The beard is hair that grows down from the head to the rest of the body. It is the bridge between mind and heart, thoughts and actions, theory and practice, good intentions and good deeds. So [Jews] don't cut the beard, but rather let it flow freely, to open a direct flow from the ideals and philosophies of our minds into our everyday lifestyle." (Chabad.org)