The Chosen

by Chaim Potok

He replied by expressing dismay at my question. Honest differences of opinion should never be permitted to destroy a friendship, he told me. “Haven’t you learned that yet, Reuven?” Now I was tempted to tell my father that Jack Rose was probably using his money to salve a bad conscience. But I didn’t. Instead, I said, a little scornfully, “I don’t envy his rabbi.” My father shook his head soberly. “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.”