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The Gates of November

chaim potok

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"REMARKABLE . . . A WONDERFUL STORY."
--The Boston Globe

The father is a high-ranking Communist officer, a Jew who survived Stalin's purges. The son is a "refusenik," who risked his life and happiness to protest everything his father held dear. Now, Chaim Potok, beloved author of the award-winning novels The Chosen and My Name is Asher Lev, unfolds the gripping true story of a father, a son, and a conflict that spans Soviet history. Drawing on taped interviews and his harrowing visits to Russia, Potok traces the public and privates lives of the Slepak Their passions and ideologies, their struggles to reconcile their identities as Russians and as Jews, their willingness to fight--and die--for diametrically opposed political beliefs.

"[A] vivid account . . . [Potok] brings a novelist's passion and eye for detail to a gripping story that possesses many of the elements of fiction--except that it's all too true."
--San Francisco Chronicle

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1996

This edition

Format
272 pages, Paperback
Published
September 8, 1997 by Random House Publishing Group
ISBN
9780449912409
ASIN
044991240X
Language
English
Characters More characters

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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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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 59 votes)
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59 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
TheKickAssGeek
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A shattering book that is filled with lessons.

As a history enthusiast, I have particularly appreciated this book, especially on this rather unknown period, unfortunately.

This book offers a unique perspective and delves deep into the details of that era, providing valuable insights and knowledge.

It allows readers to gain a better understanding of the events, people, and circumstances that shaped that particular time in history.

Moreover, the author's writing style is engaging and captivating, making it a truly enjoyable read.

Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about different periods, this book is definitely worth checking out.

For more information, visit http://lesen-leben.tumblr.com/.
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speedsimp
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is a captivating family history that delves deep into the lives of a father and son, set against the backdrop of the former USSR, spanning almost the entire 20th century. The father, who was born Jewish, gradually drifts away from his Jewish identity. He becomes involved in the Bolshevik revolution and, unfortunately, even participates in the persecution of Jews in his own country.

The son, on the other hand, grows up completely oblivious to his Jewish heritage. However, as time passes, he slowly begins to become aware of it. This newfound awareness prompts him to embark on a journey to regain that lost identity. His determination leads him to ultimately make aliyah to Israel.

The book does have a tendency to jump around quite a bit through the various historical aspects. This can sometimes make it a bit challenging to follow. Nevertheless, overall, it is a very good book that offers a unique perspective on family, identity, and history in the context of the former USSR. It provides valuable insights into the complex and often tumultuous times that shaped the lives of these two individuals.
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PedroDelgado
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A truly captivating book that delves deep into the realms of Russian communism and Jewry.

It presents a real-life account that, at times, can seem a bit burdensome due to the intricate details it contains. However, for the most part, it is utterly fascinating.

The story unfolds, revealing the complex and often tumultuous relationship between these two powerful forces.

Readers will find themselves immersed in a world of political upheaval, social change, and the experiences of individuals caught in the midst of it all.

Despite the occasional weight of the details, the overall narrative is engaging and offers valuable insights into a significant period of history.

Whether you have a particular interest in Russian history, communism, or Jewry, this book is sure to capture your attention and provide a thought-provoking read.
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blazinc
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The article provides a highly informative account of Jewish life under the rule of the USSR. It delves into the various aspects and details of how Jews lived during that particular period.

However, it must be noted that for those who are not interested in either the topic of Jewish history or the history of the USSR, this article may come across as rather boring.

The content might seem dry and unappealing to them as it focuses specifically on these two areas.

Nevertheless, for those with a genuine curiosity and interest in understanding the complex and often overlooked aspects of Jewish life within the context of the USSR, this article can be a valuable source of information.

It offers insights and perspectives that can enhance one's knowledge and appreciation of this particular era in history.

Overall, while its appeal may be limited to a certain audience, the article does justice to its subject matter and provides a comprehensive overview of Jewish life under USSR rule.
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
green_jp
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Kroniek van een Russisch dissidentengezin. This story follows the life of a Russian dissident family. They have chosen a path that goes against the mainstream, facing numerous challenges and difficulties along the way. The family members are constantly under surveillance and may face persecution for their beliefs and actions. Despite the hardships, they remain坚定 in their convictions and continue to fight for what they believe in. Their story is one of courage, perseverance, and the pursuit of freedom. It is a reminder that even in the face of great adversity, there are those who are willing to stand up and speak out. As we follow their journey, we gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and sacrifices that come with being a dissident in a country like Russia.

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j_ray
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A tedious season they await

Who hears November at the gate.

- Alexander Pushkin


Introduction: History brought together on the same soil two vigorous peoples, Russians and Jews, whose bitter destiny it was to be ruinously at each other's throats.


Prologue: On a Thursday evening in the first week of January 1985, Adena and I landed in a snowstorm at Sheremetevo Airport in Moscow.


Opening: Shortly after the turn of the century, a thirteen-year-old boy in a small town in White Russia fled from the impoverished home of his mother. His father had died five years earlier. The boy was filled with a mix of fear and hope as he set out on his unknown journey.


The title "The Gates of November" seems to hint at a time of change and perhaps a new beginning. It could be that November represents a threshold, a point where something significant is about to happen.


"Moominvalley in November" might suggest a different kind of November, one filled with the charm and wonder of a fictional world. It makes one wonder what adventures and experiences await the characters in this Moominvalley during the month of November.


As we delve deeper into this story, we are likely to encounter a rich tapestry of emotions, relationships, and historical events that will shape the lives of the characters and keep us engaged until the very end.

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WeeabooHellRoute
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have a strong preference for Potok's fictional works. The time and place he depicts in his fictional stories are truly captivating and hold a great deal of interest for me. It's as if I am transported into a different world, filled with unique characters and engaging plotlines.


However, when it comes to his non-fiction, I have to admit that the pace was just too slow for my liking. It felt like the narrative was dragging along, lacking the excitement and momentum that I usually expect from a good read. While the subject matter might have been important and worthy of exploration, the way it was presented made it a bit of a chore to get through.


Overall, I still appreciate Potok's talent as a writer, but I find that his fictional works are much more to my taste. They have the ability to draw me in and keep me hooked from beginning to end, while his non-fiction sometimes fails to do so due to its slower pace.

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xraaki
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Apr 21, 12:45 pm ~~ Review asap.


Apr 24, 8 pm ~~ This book is truly fascinating yet painful to read. Potok presents us with the true story of a Russian Jewish family. It starts with the patriarch Solomon Slepak, who abandoned his cultural roots to become a passionate revolutionary and ultimately an 'Old Bolshevik'. However, his son Vladimir (Volodya) turned his back on the Soviet regime. He delved into his Jewish heritage and became one of the most renowned 'refusniks' of the Soviet era.


We not only witness the family history but also gain a great deal of insight into the formation of the Soviet Union and the inner workings of the regime. It was brutally harsh and cruel. I found it难以置信 that anyone, whether Jewish or not, could have the endurance to live in such a place. The constant surveillance, unrelenting harassment, perpetual bureaucratic absurdity, and dead ends were all just手段 to torment people, keep them under control, and attempt to erase them.


But despite all of this, it can be difficult to suppress the human spirit. Somewhere, in some way, that spirit will persevere and triumph. Volodya's story serves as proof of that.

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