Examples Of A Teenage Boy In The Chosen By Chaim Potok
The Example of a Teenage Boy
“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”- I Timothy 4:12
In 62AD, Paul penned these words to Timothy, a Jewish young man of great character. In The Chosen, Chaim Potok describes another Jewish young man of excellent character. Living under the guidance of mature character traits, Reuven becomes the bridge between two opposing sects of the Brooklyn Jewish population. He passes the challenge of an intricate word puzzle, perseveres in a hostile environment, and forgives when angry actions almost blind him. As he demonstrates intelligence, bravery, and a forgiving spirit, Reuven impacts his world.
Throughout the story, Reuven demonstrates impressive intellect. During a Hasidic service, Reb Saunders deliberately makes a mistake when using gematria—a Kabbalistic method of interpreting the Hebrew scriptures which computes the numerical value of words based on their constituent letters. Reb Saunders asks Reuven to evaluate the gematria and Reuven replies, “They were not all good” (139). Reuven then proceeds to specify the incorrect value and cite the true value of the word. After Reuven gives his answer, Reb Saunders smiles, displaying his pleasure in Reuven’s correct, quick response. Reb Saunders …show more content…
He bridges Hassidic and Orthodox Jewish faiths, setting an example for teenagers today who also desire to unite those who differ. Although twenty-first century teenagers rarely encounter the scenario of opposing sects of Jewish faith, other situations where opposing races, worldviews, or politics meet, still need intelligence, bravery, and a forgiving spirit. By listening well and reasoning intelligently, bravely entering tough situations with truth, and offering the grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, teenagers today can set an example just like Timothy and
“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”- I Timothy 4:12
In 62AD, Paul penned these words to Timothy, a Jewish young man of great character. In The Chosen, Chaim Potok describes another Jewish young man of excellent character. Living under the guidance of mature character traits, Reuven becomes the bridge between two opposing sects of the Brooklyn Jewish population. He passes the challenge of an intricate word puzzle, perseveres in a hostile environment, and forgives when angry actions almost blind him. As he demonstrates intelligence, bravery, and a forgiving spirit, Reuven impacts his world.
Throughout the story, Reuven demonstrates impressive intellect. During a Hasidic service, Reb Saunders deliberately makes a mistake when using gematria—a Kabbalistic method of interpreting the Hebrew scriptures which computes the numerical value of words based on their constituent letters. Reb Saunders asks Reuven to evaluate the gematria and Reuven replies, “They were not all good” (139). Reuven then proceeds to specify the incorrect value and cite the true value of the word. After Reuven gives his answer, Reb Saunders smiles, displaying his pleasure in Reuven’s correct, quick response. Reb Saunders …show more content…
He bridges Hassidic and Orthodox Jewish faiths, setting an example for teenagers today who also desire to unite those who differ. Although twenty-first century teenagers rarely encounter the scenario of opposing sects of Jewish faith, other situations where opposing races, worldviews, or politics meet, still need intelligence, bravery, and a forgiving spirit. By listening well and reasoning intelligently, bravely entering tough situations with truth, and offering the grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, teenagers today can set an example just like Timothy and