6/21/2023 0 Comments The promise by chaim potok summaryReb Saunders’ father explained that words are used to deceive and that only by turning inside oneself can one find one’s own soul. Reb Saunders as a child had to look into himself to find strength and solace. Reb Saunders’ father taught him with silence. Reb Saunders then explains his childhood. He died in Auschwitz still a Jew, but not an observer of the Commandments. After yeshiva he moved to France and became a mathematician. He was very sick but had a brilliant, cold, and “almost cruel” mind. Reb Saunders had a brother who was like Danny. The Master of the Universe blessed Reb Saunders with a brilliant son, but that Reb Saunders could see that Danny had no soul. This spark must be guarded and nourished. Reb Saunders says that man is born evil with only the tiniest spark of good. Reb Saunders says that he knows Reuven hates him for this, but all he requires is that Reuven listen to him. Reb Saunders explains to Reuven (but really to Danny) his use of silence in bringing up his son. Reb Saunders stiffens and says that Reuven and Danny will “begin to go different ways.” Danny looks shocked, but Reb Saunders does not look at his son. Reb Saunders asks Reuven what he will do after graduation and Reuven says that he plans to become a rabbi. Everything looks the same except Reb Saunders looks old and weary. He first sees Danny, who looks very nervous, and then they both go to Reb Saunders’ study. Reuven comes to Danny’s house to see Reb Saunders.
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