SOLVED. 2 Jewish boys: one Hasidic, one not [s]

[Heather]

The main characters were two Jewish boys, one Hasidic and one not. While their fathers/sects were not friendly, they tried to stay friends while grappling with their faith, reading the Torah and other Jewish works. I think at the end, the Hasidim cuts off his ringlets and pursues a secular career at the end, I think.

[Lisa]

Heather, I think the book you're thinking of is The Chosen.

[Heather]

Thanks!