The Chosen-Journal On Second Half Of Book

The issue of whether or not the Jews should be given a state is very controversial all over the world after the end of World War II. Some Jews, such as Reuven and his father, believe that because of the Holocaust, it is absolutely necessary that the Jews be given a state, for their own safety. It would put an end to all the suffering and persecution that Jews have been through ever since the beginning of time. But when Reuven states his opinion to Danny's father, Reb Saunders, he becomes outraged and starts yelling at Reuven. The Hasids believed that Israel was the Promised Land, and that they should wait for God to give it to them instead of taking it. "My father blinked his eyes. 'Reb Saunders said it was God's will,' he echoed softly. I nodded. 'You are satisfied with that answer, Reuven?' 'No.' He blinked his eyes again, and when he spoke, his voice was soft, the bitterness gone. 'I am not satisfied with it either Reuven. We cannot wait for God. If there is an answer, we must make it ourselves.' I was quiet." (Potok, 192). I deeply agree with Reuven and his father. God is the ruler of the universe, so if he were against the Jews taking the Promised Land, he would stop it from happening. Reb Saunders insists that the Holocaust was the will of God. If that is true, wouldn't it also be the will of God if the Jews take the promised land? It is surprising that Danny's father belives so many events to be because of the will of God, but insists that the Jews taking the Promised Land is against it.

At the beginning of the story, Danny is very religious and Reuven is more conservative. But at the end of the book, it seems like they have switched roles. Reuven is studying to be a rabbi, and Danny will become a psychologist. I think that it started when Reuven's father got sick and he had to stay at Danny's house. "On the first day of July, I packed a bag and took a cab to Reb Saunder's house. I moved into Danny's room." (193). They both begin to really understand how the other lives and worships, and they find it interesting.

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