Danny And Reuven In Chaim Potok's The Chosen

The theme in Chaim Potok’s The Chosen is that religion is important. One specific point made is that, Danny and Reuven met because of their religion. A second specific point made in The Chosen is, Religion comes first. In Danny’s family, religion is more important than anything else. In Reuven’s life, family as well as religion are very important. A third specific point made is, religion will affect Danny and Reuven’s future. The first reason that supports this thesis is that Danny and Reuven met because of their religion or, beliefs. Potok wrote, “For the first fifteen years of our lives, Danny and I lived within five blocks of each other and neither of us knew of the other’s existence” (3). They didn’t know each other, even though they only lived five blocks away, because of their beliefs. The reason they came to America was because of their religious beliefs. They met each other when they were playing a baseball game. In the middle of the game, Danny happened to hit Reuven in the eye with the baseball. From that moment on that's when their relationship started. They started to study Talmud with each other almost daily. Soon they became best friends.

In Danny’s family, Danny”s father, Reb Saunders, only speaks to Danny when they are studying the Talmud. Also in Danny’s family, they eat as a whole family, also they can’t watch the television. All because of their religion. Chaim Potok wrote, “Once I invited Danny to come home and eat with us, but he refused the invitation with the lame excuse, looking a little embarrassed. On our way home my father told me that Danny probably didn't eat anywhere except in his home, because of kashruth” (176). In Reuven's life, he studies Talmud everyday, as well as goes to the synagogue. Reuven's dad, David Malter, he writes his opinions on