Summary Of The Chosen By Chaim Potok

The Chosen

By: Potok, Chaim

SUMMARY:

The book is narrated by, Reuven Malter, tells about his neighborhood and the way people live. Reuven then mentions his friend, Danny, a Hasidic Jew. The Hasidic community is very loyal to their beliefs, customs, and communities, so if it weren't for the Jewish league they would have never met. During a game of softball during the league's games Reuven has to play against Danny's team. Danny's teams comes dressed in their traditional religious garments, Reuven thinks they aren't going to be that hard to beat. At the end when Danny hits the ball with his bat, Reuven is pitching and gets hit by the ball in the eye. At the end of the game he is rushed to the hospital.

When Reb Saunders, Danny's father, calls to see how Reuven is doing. Reb says that Danny is terribly sorry for what happened and that is was an accident. Reuven in the other hand thinks that Danny hits him on purpose. When Danny comes to apologize Reuven treats him like dirt and does not accept the apologies. The next day, Danny again comes but this time Reuven is glad to see him. They start to talk and become adjusted to each other. While they talk Reuven sees that Danny is sad and between his father's expectations and his dreams. The doctor comes and Reuven's eye is healing perfectly.

When Reuven arrives home, he wants his father to explain Danny's particular sect of Judaism, Hasidism. One day after his nap, he sees that Danny is right outside and wants Reuven to meet his father. While they walk to Danny's house, they talk about their families. Reuven's mom died when he was born. Danny has a brother and a sister, and also hat they are form Russia. When Rueven meets Danny's father, he invites Reuven to a sermon. At the end, he tells Rueven that he is happy that Danny and he are friends.

One-day, Danny's dad, Reb, Danny, and Reuven are talking but while Danny goes to his room to fetch something Reb asks Reuven what Danny has been reading at the library. Reuven tells Reb the kind of books Mr. Malters gave Danny to read but excludes a few important details about the whole thing. When Reuven tells Danny what he told his father, Danny says its okay. He also says that he and his father do not talk except during study sessions and Reuven is bewildered on how someone could leave a silent life.

Both of the boys go to Hirsh College. Danny sees that the psychology