The Chosen Lesson Plan

Potok starts the section with a quote from the Zohar. How does this quote relate to this section of the book?

The quote says, “Silence is good everywhere, except in connection with Torah.” This quote seems to be what Reb Saunders abides by in his interactions with Danny. He does not speak to Danny at all except when they are discussing the Talmud or Torah. He addresses Danny during the public quiz that Reuven witnesses, but that exchange is more a performance for the sake of the people than a personal conversation. All of Danny’s interactions with his father seem to be centered around his training to become a tzaddik. You can talk to your students about what this may...