The Chosen Review

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Recommended: Cambridge history of literature

History plays a large role in shaping the character of Rueven and Danny’s characters because they each have strong spiritual fathers that laid a foundation for them, their respective religions have very different roots, and they find that they have differences from these religions.
Both Rueven and Danny have spiritual giants for fathers. While Rueven’s father is not as well respected or as well known as Reb Saunders, he is every bit as caring and spiritual. Mr. Malter has raised Rueven in the Jewish fashion and has taught him to love God. The love that Mr. Malter shows Rueven is evident when Rueven is at the hospital. When Rueven finally wakes up, his father is so excited that he rushes over without even preparing himself. “His sparse gray hair lay uncombed on his head. That was unusual for my father. I never remembered him leaving the house without carefully combing his hair.” In addition, Mr. Malter developed a cough and got sick, probably attributed to excessive worrying over Rueven. Reb Saunders also loves his son, but has a hard time showing it. Since, Danny and his father never speak unless they are studying; it is a very strained and painful relationship for Danny. Reb Saunders is known all over the Jewish community for being a strong spiritual advisor to all the Hassid and Danny is expected to take his place. Reb Saunders position as rabbi is something of a family dynasty and it has gone on for many generations. Danny has been groomed to become the next rabbi since he was a child. All of this seems too much for Danny and it seems that he just wants to escape his destiny and live a normal life.
The roots of Rueven and Danny’s churches also play a role in their characters. Rueven is an orthodox Jew, and thus comes from very strict values. Rueven is expected to pray many times a day and to study the Talmud frequently. In addition, he eats kosher food, always observes Shabbat and follows Jewish law reverently. He is very faithful and hopes to be a rabbi someday. On the other hand, Danny comes from an even more demanding sect of Judaism. The Hasids have similar beliefs to the Orthodox Jews but hold to even stricter codes of conduct. One of the things that set the Hasids apart from other sects is their dependence on the tzaddikim or spiritual leaders of their communities.

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