Who is Bird (Emmanuel Chaim) Singer from The History of Love and what is their importance?

Emmanuel Chaim Singer is Alma's younger brother. He has been nicknamed Bird because of his attempt to fly at the age of 6. After his father's death, Bird finds his inscribed copy of The Book of Jewish Thoughts and becomes obsessed with Judaism. He puts mezuzahs on every door frame and wears a kippah almost constantly. As a result of his devotion, Bird loses many friends and ends up spending most of his time alone or with Mr. Goldstein, the Hebrew School's janitor, who is also a very devout Jew.