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In the Beginning

chaim potok

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David Lurie learns that all beginnings are hard. He must fight for his place against the bullies in his Depression-shadowed Bronx neighborhood and his own frail health. As a young man, he must start anew and define his own path of personal belief that diverges sharply with his devout father and everything he has been taught...

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1975
Literary awards
premio grinzane cavour, 

This edition

Format
416 pages, Paperback
Published
September 10, 1997 by Random House Publishing Group
ISBN
9780449001134
ASIN
044900113X
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(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
35(35%)
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38(38%)
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27(27%)
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100 reviews All reviews
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Wasabi2002
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is my second encounter with this book. I first delved into its pages a few years ago. At that time, I was simply exploring the story out of personal interest. However, currently, I am reading it for a book club.

Being part of the book club has added a new dimension to my reading experience. It has given me the opportunity to discuss and share my thoughts with others who are also engaged in reading the same book. We can exchange different perspectives, analyze the characters and plot, and gain a deeper understanding of the story.

As I read this book for the second time, I am noticing details that I might have missed before. I am also able to appreciate the author's writing style and techniques more fully. The book club discussions have sparked my curiosity and made me want to explore further the themes and ideas presented in the book.

Overall, this second reading of the book, in the context of the book club, has been a rewarding and enriching experience. It has not only deepened my appreciation for the book but also allowed me to connect with others who share my love of reading.
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Melonada
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is an excellent book that truly stands out for its outstanding character development.

The author has done a remarkable job of bringing the characters to life, making them relatable and multi-dimensional.

Each character has their own unique personality, motives, and flaws, which makes them feel like real people.

Moreover, the book also explores the theme of cultural clashes in a very interesting and thought-provoking way.

The different cultures and traditions that the characters come from add an extra layer of complexity to the story, and it is fascinating to see how they interact and adapt to each other.

Overall, this is a must-read book for anyone who enjoys well-written fiction with engaging characters and a rich exploration of cultural themes.
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xhoneychiix
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I truly wish that I could give this book six stars. It is an absolute gem that I have fallen deeply in love with.

From the very first page, it had me completely captivated. The story was engaging, the characters were vivid and relatable, and the writing was simply superb.

It took me on an emotional journey, filled with excitement, laughter, and even a few tears. I found myself unable to put it down, constantly eager to see what would happen next.

This book has left a lasting impression on me, and I will definitely be recommending it to all of my friends and family. It is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story.

That is all I can say about this amazing book. It is truly one of the best I have ever read.
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DrCulture
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Probably the best book I've read this year is by Potok. His ability to write about the world of a child is truly impressive. It's like a Bildungsroman, filled with dreams, hallucinations, and anxieties, which are the shadow-sides of imagination. The way he portrays the early-mid 20th century Orthodox Judaism is also fascinating. It offers a unique perspective and shows interesting analogues with my own religious tradition. The distinction between insider and outsider is explored in a very engaging way. It makes me think about how different religious cultures have their own characteristics and yet share some commonalities. Overall, this book has been a great read and has given me a lot to ponder.

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arjungopal
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This novel vividly depicts the life of a Jewish boy who grows up in New York during the twenties, the Depression, and WWII.

Potok skillfully transports the reader into the world as seen through the eyes of a sickly yet intellectually brilliant boy. This boy grapples with the profound question of what it means to be Jewish in a time when Jews faced persecution and were brutally murdered in the millions.

The book also offers great insights into "the intricacies of an Orthodox education" (Irish Times Review). One of the main themes is that of beginnings and how "all beginnings are hard." Potok takes the reader on the courageous journey of a young man who dares to make his own beginning, even if it means stepping beyond the boundaries of his family's strict traditions.

It is important to note that this book assumes at least a basic knowledge of Jewish Orthodoxy and the Jewish Bible (Christian Old Testament). However, don't let that deter you. Reading it will fill your heart with compassion and respect for the Jewish people and their sacred traditions. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Personally, as a Christian, this book has given me a much deeper respect for the "Jewishness" of the Bible I read and the Rabbi I follow.

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Aeru47
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A truly moving story unfolds about the life of David Lurie, a Jewish boy who grows up in the vibrant city of New York. As an infant, he suffers an accident that results in a chronic illness, often confining him to his bed. However, this adversity gives birth to an over-active imagination and a deep love for reading within him.


David's family endures many hardships. They manage to survive the great depression, face the harsh reality of racism, and unfortunately, lose their family members to Hitler's cruel camps. Despite all these trials and tribulations, David perseveres and goes on to become a renowned scholar of the Jewish faith.


While the book contains tedious religious debates that I had to wade through, I still found the writing to be beautiful and thought-provoking. It offers a profound insight into the life and struggles of a Jewish family during a tumultuous period in history. Overall, it is a story that will touch your heart and make you reflect on the power of perseverance and the importance of faith.

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Weertangel
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I’ve read a few works by Chaim Potok.

In fact, “The Chosen” is one of my favorite books and movies.

This book was initially extremely slow-paced and very depressing.

David is a sickly child, yet he is extremely intelligent and has an overly active imagination.

His family immigrated to America after the First World War and continued to endure a fair amount of anti-Semitism in New York.

The story chronicles his young life, from his early years to his decision to study the Talmud and his exploration of faith outside the conventions established by his family.

It delves deep into the themes of identity, faith, and the struggle between tradition and modernity.

Potok’s writing style is细腻 and engaging, drawing the reader into David’s world and making them empathize with his experiences.

Overall, “The Chosen” is a thought-provoking and powerful work that has had a lasting impact on me.
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r4ch_lee
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A superbly written story unfolds, centering around an exceptionally intelligent young Jewish boy named David, his family, and their arduous journey. They strive to establish their lives in the United States while also aiding other Jewish families who long to leave Poland and settle in New York. In the prosperous 1920s, the family thrives in the US. However, school-age David faces the cruel taunts and bullying of anti-Semitic local boys. Moreover, he is haunted by the whispered secrets of his father's past as a militant activist among Jews in the "old country."

We accompany this family through the Great Depression and into World War II. As they learn of the Nazis' unimaginable cruelty towards their family and acquaintances left behind in Europe, their pain and horror are palpable. It indeed seems that this is primarily the story of the Jewish experience in NYC during the 1920s - 1940s.

Then, in the final portion of the book, a completely new and unexpected plot twist occurs. The author zeroes in on David's decision to set aside his orthodox beliefs and pursue secular Biblical criticism. This decision shocks his family and friends, especially at a time when they are still reeling from the harrowing reality of the Holocaust.

Each of the main characters is brought to life with such vividness and authenticity that they become completely compelling. Their story is told from an uncommon perspective, allowing readers to develop a deep empathy and understanding for their conflicts, despite the foreignness of their culture.

However, I was a bit disappointed in the sudden change of focus near the end. After becoming so deeply emotionally involved in their story, the conclusion seemed almost too abrupt. I was left with a longing to know the rest of the story, to see how the characters would navigate the challenges and changes that lay ahead.
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