A shy, young upper-class Jewish girl aspires to be a poet in 19th century New York City, and Ralph Waldo Emerson becomes her mentor and friend. Then Emma's life takes an unexpected twist. The massive immigration of European Jews fleeing persecution, and many others seeking refuge in the United States - the suffering and despair - touch her deeply. Emma gathers courage and cries out for their defense. She emerges as a warrior, fighting bigotry, and also as a woman feeling the hardships of the oppressed poor.