I’ll take Chaim Potok any day. His works have always had a special charm for me. However, I have to admit that this particular book wasn’t my absolute favorite.

At the beginning, it seemed to be following a familiar path, drawing me in with its engaging characters and interesting storyline. But then, it took a bit of a weird turn.

The plot deviated from what I had expected, and some of the events and developments felt a bit out of place. It was as if the author was trying to explore new territory, but in the process, lost a bit of the cohesion and flow that had made his other books so enjoyable.

Despite this, there were still some redeeming qualities. The writing was, as always, beautiful and evocative, and the characters remained complex and believable. But overall, this book just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

Gershon Loran, a young man from the Orthodox Jewish community in New York, is pursuing the training to become a rabbi.

During his studies, he leaves behind orthodoxy and delves deep into the Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition.

After his studies, he goes to Korea as a spiritual caregiver.

There, he meets his former classmate Arthur, who is burdened with feelings of guilt due to the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, for which his father, a prominent nuclear physicist, was partly responsible.

I read this book with great interest and it is definitely worth reading again.

The story of Gershon's spiritual journey and his encounter with Arthur makes for a captivating and thought-provoking read.

It explores themes such as faith, guilt, and the search for meaning in life.

The author does a wonderful job of bringing these characters and their experiences to life, making the reader feel as if they are right there with them.

Overall, this is a book that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in Jewish spirituality, history, or just a good story.

Chaim Potok is always worth reading.

This is a book that is interesting in terms of its historical background (the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, the shadow of the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki), its themes, and its characters (similar to other characters in Potok's works, young men who are different representatives of American Judaism).

The author's vivid descriptions bring the story to life, allowing readers to better understand the complex emotions and struggles of the characters.

Potok's works often explore the intersection of religion, culture, and identity, and this book is no exception.

It makes readers think about the meaning of life, the importance of family and community, and the role of religion in modern society.

Overall, Chaim Potok's books are a valuable addition to any bookshelf, and this one is definitely worth checking out.

This book was truly nice.

Specifically, this part caught my attention: “My wife believes in it not one whit, but is scrupulous in its observance,” said Charles Leiden, sipping from his glass.

It presents a curious state of affairs, doesn't it? We are kosher, Fermi probably attends synagogue, Albert believed in Spinoza's God and helped raise money for Israel, Teller may end up teaching in a Jewish parochial school one day, and Szilard has the soul of a Jewish prophet.

And yet, we tinker with light and atomic bombs, with the energy of the universe.

Do you wonder that the world doesn't know what to make of its Jews?

No one is on more familiar terms with the heart of the insanity in the universe than is the Jew, and no one is more frenetic and untidy in the search for an answer.

This passage seems to suggest that the Jewish people, with their diverse beliefs and activities, are in a unique position when it comes to understanding and grappling with the mysteries and chaos of the universe.

It makes me think about how different cultures and backgrounds can offer different perspectives and approaches to the big questions in life.

Perhaps we can learn from the Jews' frenetic search for answers and apply it to our own quests for knowledge and understanding.

Overall, this part of the book has left a lasting impression on me and has made me think more deeply about the role of the Jewish people in the world.

What I wrote right after I read it:

This book appears to be dark, perhaps even darker than any of his other works. It delves into the realms of physics and kabbalah, thus encompassing both science and mysticism, and presenting a world that is torn apart. The author has the ability to carry the reader along on this journey, making them experience a range of emotions from aching to rejoicing and then aching once more.

The combination of these two disparate fields, physics and kabbalah, creates a unique and captivating narrative. It challenges the reader's understanding of the world and forces them to question their preconceived notions. The dark undertones add an element of mystery and intrigue, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish.

Overall, this book is a thought-provoking and emotional read that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who has the pleasure of experiencing it.

The story is highly stylized, featuring an elaborate use of symbols and allegory.

It employs a distant third-person narrator who guides the readers through decades of the protagonist's life, which is vividly presented in two or three extremely well-developed settings such as the slums, the seminary, and the army.

The author faces the challenge of showing how minor characters will influence the plot twists. Interestingly, they do so not through their direct actions but by their words and examples that leave a profound impression on the main character's feelings and thoughts.

This is an especially arduous challenge because this particular protagonist's conflict lies mainly within himself: the struggle of how to read and understand himself.

As the story unfolds, we witness the protagonist's journey of self-discovery, shaped by the various minor characters he encounters along the way. Their words and actions serve as catalysts,推动着 the protagonist's internal growth and transformation.

Overall, the story offers a unique and engaging exploration of the human psyche and the power of influence.

I came across this book in a box of give-aways.

Previously, I had already read The Chosen and My Name is Asher Lev, and currently, I am studying some of Rav Abraham Isaac Kook's writings on Kabbalah.

So, when I saw this book, I just had to start it.

And I was not disappointed at all.

The characters in the book were truly engrossing.

The story, which is about two young rabbis coming to terms with life and spirituality in the shadow of the atomic bomb, was so captivating that it left me pondering aspects of their entwined lives even beyond the final page.

I'm certain that I'll read this book again in the future.

It has made a deep impression on me and I believe it will continue to do so with each subsequent reading.

I'm really glad that I found this book in that box of give-aways.

Meh.

This book is not as good as his other works.

I nearly gave up on it, but since I didn't have anything else to read at the moment, I persevered and finished it.

The main reason for my less-than-stellar opinion is that the main character was constantly so unsure of himself.

This made it rather difficult for me to develop a strong sense of caring for him.

However, there was a glimmer of improvement when he joined the Army.

That particular part of the story was more engaging and held my attention better.

Nonetheless, when looking at the book as a whole, the main character still came across as lack-luster.

Perhaps if the author had delved deeper into the character's growth and development, or had given him more moments of confidence and self-assurance, I might have had a more positive view of the book.

As it stands, it's an okay read, but not one that I would highly recommend.

A beautiful book is like a precious treasure. It has the power to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to new ideas and perspectives, and touch our hearts. The cover of a beautiful book is often a work of art in itself, with its eye-catching design and colors. When we open the book, we are greeted with pages filled with words that seem to dance and come alive. The font may be elegant and easy to read, adding to the overall beauty of the book. A beautiful book can also have illustrations or photographs that enhance the story or text. These visual elements can bring the words to life and make the reading experience even more enjoyable. Whether it's a classic novel, a work of poetry, or a non-fiction book, a beautiful book is something to be cherished and shared.

I am in a state of constant admiration for the works of this author.

Last year, quite inadvertently, I found myself in a theatre watching the film “Oppenheimer.” I must admit that I seldom venture out to view films.

I was already familiar with the man through my readings, yet I had no inkling of this brand-new cinematic offering.

To be honest, I did not enjoy the movie.

Fast-forward to the present day, and I have just finished reading this new (to me) installment by Potok.

The background of this novel is centered around the association of its characters with the creation and destruction of two large cities in Japan during World War Two.

But beyond this historical backdrop, the author is truly a servant and processor of humanity that extends beyond the event itself.

He masterfully crafts the mindsets of the characters to help us, the audience, interpret the actions that took place.

These protagonists are Talmudists and Kabbalists, and interestingly, one can be both.

Herein lies the conflict – the struggle between devotion and actions.

The delivery of this story is noble and sincere, and it has truly satiated this reader’s palate.

It is a far cry from the experience I had with the movie.

I started reading Potok when I was a teenager, commencing with The Chosen. It was as if I was taking a captivating look into a world that I had never even imagined could exist.

I had read this book before, but I didn't like it as much then. However, when I picked it up again as an adult, having more knowledge about Los Alamos, the history of the bombs, and the people who grew up with their parents involved in the making of them, it gave me a whole new level of connection.

I believe this book is one of his absolute best, distinct from The Chosen, his Asher Lev's works, and Davita's Harp. I am in awe of Potok's talent to bring out the beautiful layers of culture, faith, and humanity, all while expanding on the fabric of his similar themes. It's truly remarkable how he can create such rich and engaging stories that touch on so many important aspects of life.

His ability to make the reader feel as if they are a part of the world he has created is a testament to his skill as a writer. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and beautifully written literature.

Mysticism Demystified

Anarchism is a visionary politics. Mysticism, as William Everson put it, is the anarchism of religion. Mystics don't rely on structure. They have little regard for dogmatic religion or hierarchical pronouncements. They are entirely ordinary and lack heroic qualities, making them unsuitable as fictional protagonists. However, Chaim Potok found his hook in the Jewish mystical study of Kabbalah.

Kabbalists are Jewish mystics who study the Torah. They take it seriously but are interested in novel connections, not historical opinions. Their spontaneity of interpretation may seem like lack of discipline to Talmudic scholars. The Book of Lights attempts to understand the mystical mind through the protagonist Gershon, a typical mystic.

Mystics may be obsessive but rarely have a special feeling of being infused by the divine. They are not enthusiasts and have little tendency toward the occult. They do what they do because it's in their nature. Gershon's mentor, Keter, notices his associative talents. The dark heart of Kabbalah is death, and Gershon experiences the loss of his parents and cousin.

Decay, moral evil, and potential destruction are part of Gershon's life, as they are for everyone. There is no doctrine of Kabbalah, and each Kabbalist has their own version. Gershon's Kabbalah is both intellectual and emotional. Kabbalah does not make one a better person in any specific way. It is not a retreat or a healing technique. It offers nothing, which is the reality of everything (God).

The language Potok uses is simple and direct. The Book of Lights is a story of maturation, not a mystical mystery. Mystics are ordinary, and their experience is one of homelessness but not isolation. There is no certainty but trust in something beyond oneself. Potok's Kabbalah is unique, not like Zen, Christian mysticism, or Sufism.

[An editorial aside: Mystics only incidentally belong to religious groups. Some are famous in secular life. The Identify the Mystic Game is a fun way to pass the time. Potok knows how to play this game and avoid clichés.]

Some additional references for Kabbalah in literature:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...