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Title: The Chosen
Author:
Chaim Potok
Age level: High School
Recommended by: Gail Lindenberg, Nogales High School, California Summary: In The Chosen
by Chaim Potok, Danny and Reuven are Jews from surprisingly different backgrounds. Reuven is raised in the orthodox tradition and would not have been allowed to interact with Danny except for an accident at a Yeshiva baseball game that brings the two together. As they explore the differences in their own family's interpretation of their common heritage, the reader is introduced to the complexities of Judaism, Zionism and religion and politics in pre-World War II America. The strength of their friendship in the face of adversity and the bond each has with his own family and with tradition makes this a powerful reading experience.
Teaching suggestions:
This selection might go well as a precursor to studying World War II in a Humanities setting, although its thematic elements transcend that time period. A research paper on Judeo-Christian links would serve to broaden the cultural awareness of many students who may have a limited exposure to Judaism. An activity asking students to pull out the Yiddish and Hebrew terms for search would also add to reading comprehension.
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