The Chosen 1) At one point in The Chosen, Mr. Malter says, “A man can raise a child any way he wishes. What a price to pay for a soul.” I believe this statement is saying that A man may not always raise his child the right way, and this could limit a positive future for the child. This quote is referring to Danny and his father, Reb, the Tzaddik of the Russian Hasidic Jews. Mr.Malter was inferring to how Danny’s father brought him up in silence, not talking to Danny unless he was upset or talking about the talmud; this was apart of his father’s Hasidic views. Danny pays the price because his dad only cares that he study and follow the traditions, rituals, and customs of Hasidic Judaism in preparation to takeover as Tzaddik- or so we thought. Later in chapter 18 we learn that Reb brought Danny up the way he did so he could still have the soul of a tzaddik, but pursue any career he wanted. …show more content…
Reb Saunders looked exhausted and sickly. Reb Saunders talks to Danny through Reuven, never speaking to Danny. He then explains why he raised the Danny the way he did. Reb saw that his son had a brilliant mind, but had little soul in his father’s eyes. Reb wanted Danny to realize the immense suffering in the world so he could develope a great soul. He made Danny realize suffering by raising him in silence, which also taught him to have compassion towards others. Reb realizes he can not prevent Danny from his thirst for knowledge. He decided Danny’s “soul would be the soul of a tzaddik no matter what he did with his life” if he learned to show