Published in 1967, it became a bestselling phenomenon, birthing a sequel (Potok’s next novel, The Promise), a major motion picture, and a deluge of critical praise. After he concluded his doctoral work, the Potoks returned to America, and Chaim began to seek a publisher for his just-completed book: The Chosen. There, he dabbled in fiction, writing his thesis in the afternoons and a novel– about New York City–in the mornings. In 1965, at the age of 36, he moved temporarily to Jerusalem with his family to write a dissertation for his doctorate in philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania. He went on to earn both his master’s degree and rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary, a Conservative institution, and subsequently served as the editor of Conservative Judaism magazine. Potok soon became disenchanted with the Orthodox world, finding Yeshiva University intellectually stifling. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English literature, going against the wishes of his family, who expected Chaim to become a teacher in a yeshiva. His parents were both immigrants from Poland whose life in Brooklyn was not so different from the Old World shtetl they had left behind.Īfter high school, Potok attended Yeshiva University. Potok was born into an Orthodox family in New York, the eldest of four children. He was also the author of a nonfiction book, Wanderings: Chaim Potok’s History of the Jews, and many works of Torah commentary. His most famous works included The Chosen, The Promise, My Name Is Asher Lev, Davita’s Harp, and I Am the Clay.

Over his lifetime, Potok authored eight novels, a number of short stories and novellas, and three children’s books. Often his most profound thoughts and arguments would come not from his own mouth, but from the mouths of his fictional characters. But foremost among his talents, Potok was a writer. He would often wake at four or five in the morning, driven to wakefulness–because, he would say, of the sentences in his head. My Jewish Learning is a not-for-profit and relies on your help DonateĪs a doctor of philosophy, a rabbi, and a biblical commentator, Chaim Potok (1929-2002) had a lot to say.

The gift of asher lev by chaim potok