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Potok is a brilliant writer. I loved hearing Reuven Malter tell his story about his unlikely friendship with an Hasidic Jew, Danny Saunders. Their unusual friendship introduces the reader to many Jewish customs. Throughout this novel, I became acquainted with different Jewish words like tzaddik, apikorsim, Talmud, inyan, and pilpul. I find it interesting to compare many of the Jewish practices and principles with my own religion. There are many similarities among religions. Furthermore, I must comment on how much I appreciate taking a Judaism class at BYU now. Without having that background information, I would have had difficulties understanding the Jewish jargon.
The relationship between Reuven Malter and his father, David Malter is very healthy. I did not like Reb Saunders way of teaching his son through silence. This was just cruel, and unnecessary. The father/son relationship between the Malters relies on communication and healthy interaction. Yet, the Malters were considered to be apikorsim by the Saunders. Just look at his relationship wih his son, Danny. Has the silent treatment been very effective in teaching Danny how to honor his father and mother? This parenting skill should never be used to teach a child compassion, and Danny should have learned from his father's mistake.
The following conversation is an example of David Malter communicating with his son, Reuven.
Human beings do not live forever... We live less than it takes to blink an eye, if we measure our lives against eternity. So it may be asked what value is there to a human life . There is so much pain in the world. What does it mean to have to suffer so much if our lives are no more than a blink of an eye? I learned a long time ago, that a blink of an eye in itself is nothing. But the eye that blinks, that is something. A span of life is nothing. But the man who lives that span is , he is something. He can fill that tiny span with meaning, so its quality is immeasurable though its quantity may be insignificant. A man must fill his life with meaning, meaning is not automatically given to life. It is hard work to fill one's life with meaning. A life filled with meaning is worthy of rest. I want to be worthy of rest when I am no longer here."
I, Nicole Kent, want to fill my life with meaning so that when I leave this earthly state I will be worthy of rest. I really need to finish writing my novel! Great Book! Inspirational! :-)
©N. Kent Last Updated: February 5, 2008 mail Nicole Kent
