Answer:
In “The Chosen,” Chaim Potok explores the religious perceptions of two Jewish communities, Hasidic and Orthodox, in Brooklyn, New York, during the 1940s. The novel’s central theme is the tension between tradition and modernity, which is reflected in the religious beliefs of the characters. The Hasidic community is portrayed as being more traditional and insular, while the Orthodox community is more open to modernity and secularism.
The novel’s protagonist, Reuven Malter, is an Orthodox Jew who struggles to reconcile his religious beliefs with his desire to participate in secular society. His father is a professor of Russian history at a local college, and Reuven is interested in pursuing a career in science. However, he is also deeply committed to his faith and studies the Talmud with his father.
Danny Saunders, on the other hand, is a Hasidic Jew who is being groomed to become a rabbi. He is the son of Reb Saunders, a respected Hasidic leader who communicates with his son only through silence. Danny struggles with his faith and questions whether he wants to become a rabbi.
The novel explores the different ways that these two communities approach religion. The Hasidic community emphasizes the importance of tradition and ritual, while the Orthodox community is more open to modernity and secularism. Potok suggests that both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses.
Overall, “The Chosen” provides a nuanced exploration of religious perception in Jewish communities during the 1940s. The novel’s themes of tradition versus modernity and faith versus secularism are still relevant today.
Step-by-step explanation: