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Wanderings: History of the Jews

chaim potok

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A fascinating history of the Jews, told by a master novelist, here is Chaim Potok's fascinating, moving four thousand-year history. Recreating great historical events, exporing Jewish life in its infinite variety and in many eras and places, here is a unique work by a singular Jewish voice.

576 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1,1978

This edition

Format
576 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published
October 12, 1987 by Fawcett
ISBN
9780449215821
ASIN
0449215822
Language
English

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About the author

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chaim potok

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Herman Harold Potok, or Chaim Tzvi, was born in Buffalo, New York, to Polish immigrants. He received an Orthodox Jewish education. After reading Evelyn Waugh's novel Brideshead Revisited as a teenager, he decided to become a writer. He started writing fiction at the age of 16. At age 17 he made his first submission to the magazine The Atlantic Monthly. Although it wasn't published, he received a note from the editor complimenting his work.

In 1949, at the age of 20, his stories were published in the literary magazine of Yeshiva University, which he also helped edit. In 1950, Potok graduated summa cum laude with a BA in English Literature.

After four years of study at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America he was ordained as a Conservative rabbi. He was appointed director of Leaders Training Fellowship, a youth organization affiliated with Conservative Judaism.

After receiving a master's degree in English literature, Potok enlisted with the U.S. Army as a chaplain. He served in South Korea from 1955 to 1957. He described his time in S. Korea as a transformative experience. Brought up to believe that the Jewish people were central to history and God's plans, he experienced a region where there were almost no Jews and no anti-Semitism, yet whose religious believers prayed with the same fervor that he saw in Orthodox synagogues at home.

Upon his return, he joined the faculty of the University of Judaism in Los Angeles and became the director of a Conservative Jewish summer camp affiliated with the Conservative movement, Camp Ramah. A year later he began his graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania and was appointed scholar-in-residence at Temple Har Zion in Philadelphia.

In 1963, he spent a year in Israel, where he wrote his doctoral dissertation on Solomon Maimon and began to write a novel.

In 1964 Potok moved to Brooklyn. He became the managing editor of the magazine Conservative Judaism and joined the faculty of the Teachers' Institute of the Jewish Theological Seminary. The following year, he was appointed editor-in-chief of the Jewish Publication Society in Philadelphia and later, chairman of the publication committee. Potok received a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania.

In 1970, Potok relocated to Jerusalem with his family. He returned to Philadelphia in 1977. After the publication of Old Men at Midnight, he was diagnosed with brain cancer. He died at his home in Merion, Pennsylvania on July 23, 2002, aged 73.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 72 votes)
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21(29%)
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72 reviews All reviews
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RhythmusByte
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have gained a more profound understanding of the history of the sacred writings and the peoples of the Book from Chaim Potok's "Wanderings" than I ever did in churches, parochial schools, and the University.

This book has truly opened my eyes and provided me with a wealth of knowledge that I could not have obtained elsewhere.

The in-depth exploration of the religious and cultural traditions within its pages is both fascinating and enlightening.

I am truly grateful for this loving review that has brought this remarkable work to my attention.

It has allowed me to embark on a journey of discovery and learn more about the rich tapestry of history and faith that surrounds us.

I highly recommend "Wanderings" to anyone who is interested in delving deeper into the world of the sacred writings and the people who have been influenced by them.

It is a must-read for anyone seeking a greater understanding of our shared human heritage.

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Gendaros
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Wanderings: Chaim Potok's History of the Jews by Chaim Potok (1978)

This book, "Wanderings" by Chaim Potok, offers a profound exploration of the history of the Jews. Published in 1978, it takes readers on a journey through the ages, tracing the footsteps of the Jewish people. Potok's vivid storytelling brings to life the struggles, triumphs, and migrations that have shaped their identity. From ancient times to the modern era, we witness the challenges they faced and the unwavering spirit that carried them forward. The book delves into their religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and the impact of historical events on their lives. It is a captivating and informative account that provides a deeper understanding of the rich and complex history of the Jews.

Potok's writing style is engaging and accessible, making this book suitable for both scholars and general readers alike. Whether you are interested in history, religion, or simply a good story, "Wanderings" is a must-read. It offers a unique perspective on the Jewish experience and a testament to the resilience and endurance of a remarkable people.

Overall, "Wanderings" is a significant contribution to the literature on Jewish history and a book that will leave a lasting impression on its readers.
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misskitsune97
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This occurs: a man might carry out a sudden and thoughtless act of either heroism or horror. Subsequently, he spends a significant portion of his life attempting to delve into himself and uncover the hidden origin of his deed. Frequently, there is no source other than the irrationality that is like the underground ocean on which our species floats. Often, he will fabricate a source, and that will be his fragile raft of reason. However, on certain occasions, he will discover feelings and ideas deeply buried within himself, terrifying ideas, for they conflict with everything he has been taught to hold dear. And yet, somehow, they seem to him to be burning and blinding with truth. He will strive to perceive the shape of them, but they may still be formless, even though he senses their power and is alternately attracted and repelled by their luminosity. Then he will extract them from within himself and gaze at them in fear and astonishment, just as Moses does now in the wilderness.

What began with writers and scribes under the patronage of the merchant king of Judah and Israel would eventually turn into a tidal wave of creativity, the special genius of the Israelites. It was as if all the power of their artistic abilities, which were restricted from finding full expression in the plastic arts due to the covenanted stipulation against the making of images, redirected itself in another direction - creation with words.

Often, we understand a culture best through its fears. The Greek nightmare was an act of cowardice that would disgrace one in the eyes of one's fellows. The Israelite nightmare was a sinful deed that would cause one to be found guilty in the eyes of God. The Homeric world is tumultuous with brave men in dread of shame.

"If you are holding a sapling in your hand and someone tells you that the Messiah is here, plant the sapling first and then welcome the Messiah." (quoting Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai)

Once, I witnessed a full moon rise over Arabia on a chilly April night. No, it seemed to leap from its underground cavern. The strange magic of optical illusion gave it a sky-filling vastness, and I could sense how it might be worshipped as a god, this life-giving lamp that replaced the killing sun of the day. Sedentary agriculturalists worshipped the sun; the pagan Bedouin worshipped the moon.

A tragic poignancy lingers over the passionate efforts of European Jews to penetrate the charged and illuminated world of high culture created by the philosophes. Here was a world supposedly free of the enchanted years. The Jew had only to enter it, accept its wisdom and opportunities.
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vponpo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A comprehensive and thorough compendium of the travels of the Jewish people across the centuries has been created. This remarkable work delves deep into the history and experiences of the Jewish diaspora. It chronicles their movements, migrations, and settlements in different parts of the world. From ancient times to the present day, the Jewish people have journeyed far and wide, facing numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. This compendium provides a detailed account of their travels, including the reasons for their migrations, the destinations they reached, and the impact they had on the cultures and societies they encountered. It is a truly amazing work that offers valuable insights into the rich and diverse history of the Jewish people.

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NearTu
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I haven't actually read this book completely through.

I started it with great anticipation, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. However, as I delved into the pages, I soon realized that it was too boring for my taste.

The book is a non-fiction work that focuses on the beginnings of the Jewish religion. At first, it was interesting to learn about the historical and cultural aspects that contributed to the formation of this religion.

But as I continued reading, my attention began to wane. I found myself getting distracted by other books that seemed more engaging and exciting.

Eventually, I decided to quit reading it altogether. While I may have missed out on some valuable information, I felt that it was better to move on to something that would hold my interest and keep me engaged.

Perhaps one day I will pick up this book again and give it another chance, but for now, I am content to explore other literary works.
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Shiinitakunaaai
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Chaim Potok presents the narrative of the Jewish people through his very own poetical lens.

He constructs the framework of the diverse peoples and empires with which the Jews had interactions in a direct yet captivating manner.

Moreover, he elaborates on the way in which the Jewish people coped with these others.

This account is not only absorbing but also has the power to bring tears and stimulate profound thoughts.

Consequently, it is not light reading.

Nevertheless, it is completely engrossing.

The detailed descriptions and the unique perspective offered by Potok make this story a truly remarkable exploration of the Jewish experience.

It allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships and historical events that have shaped the Jewish people.

Whether one is familiar with Jewish history or not, this book has the ability to draw them in and hold their attention from beginning to end.
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Raffie83
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I upgraded this to three stars mainly out of sheer Jewish guilt. The kind that my Grandmother would have been proud of.

However, Potok's handling of most aspects of culture, both Jewish and non-Jewish, is at times not only a-historical but also disrespectful. I managed to get through almost 450 pages of the book before the feeling that I was reading something rather ridiculous reached a critical point. Potok literally refuses to address Reform Judaism. He refers to them as "enlightened or assimilated Jews" in a condescending tone for 4 pages and then essentially blames them for the misfortunes of the last two centuries of persecution in Europe and Russia. He persists in calling Jesus "Joshua, son of Joseph" for hundreds of pages instead of using the more commonly known name.

Come on! There is no aspect of alternative history, no women's history, or even prominent female figures (Miriam doesn't even get a mention) that can break through his icy, Yeshivot-ready history. His speculations are extremely frustrating, especially the idea that when some of Berlin's 19th century Jewry converted to Christianity, their sons "May have fought in the armies of Hitler." That's just great. Really brilliant. 1) It's total speculation and 2) Potok must have had some understanding of the Nazi war machine, and I highly doubt that any large group of late-converting Lutherans could have sneaked anything past Hitler.

Potok does warn the reader that he's no professional, and with his portrayal of Joshua, son of Joseph, he makes that abundantly clear. I'm sorry Nana, but to be honest, the last 80 pages of this book made me so angry that I almost couldn't finish it.
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JBeno16
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The book that I picked up from the library did not hold my attention at all.

I managed to get maybe around 100 pages into it, but after that, I just couldn't bring myself to continue reading.

The story seemed to lack a certain spark or excitement that would have made me want to keep turning the pages.

Perhaps the writing style was not to my taste, or maybe the plot was too predictable.

Whatever the reason, I found myself constantly getting distracted and losing interest in what was happening.

So, in the end, I decided to return the book to the library and look for something else that might be more engaging.

I hope that the next book I choose will be able to capture my attention and keep me entertained from start to finish.
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