The Chosen

by Chaim Potok

“Why not? You should envy him, Reuven. American Jews have begun to return to the synagogue.” “God help us if synagogues fill up with Jack Roses.” “They will fill up with Jack Roses, and it will be the task of rabbis to educate them. It will be your task if you become a rabbi.” I looked at him. “If you become a rabbi,” my father said, smiling at me warmly. “When I become a rabbi, you mean.” My father nodded, still smiling. “You would have been a fine university professor,” he said. “I would have liked you to become a university professor. But I think you have already decided. Am I right?” “Yes,” I said. “Even with a synagogue full of Jack Roses?” “Even with a synagogue full of Jack Roses,” I said. “God help me.” “America needs rabbis,” my father said.