Oops!
We just found out that the new changes to TJEdRefers generally to the concepts presented in the book A Thomas Jefferson Education, written by Dr. Oliver DeMille. We also have an Introduction to Thomas Jefferson Education available elsewhere on this site..org do not display correctly on older versions of Microsoft's Internet Explorer, i.e. the one you are using right now. We are actively working to fix this problem, and we're sorry for any problems you encounter. Until we get things fixed, you may wish to update your copy of Internet Explorer to version 7 or download the free Firefox browser, since these browsers are known to work. Otherwise, keep trying back. We hope to have everything working correctly in a few days.
Sincerely,
Russell Keppner
TJEdRefers generally to the concepts presented in the book A Thomas Jefferson Education, written by Dr. Oliver DeMille. We also have an Introduction to Thomas Jefferson Education available elsewhere on this site..org Administrator
Potok-yes and no
I enjoyed both Chosen and Promise, for the way they let me feel what it is like to be a young Jewish boy. I am reading Chosen for the second time now, and the depth of the book is thought provoking.
What is Potok really trying to say as he describes Reuvens potential blindness, and then the joy he receives after he realizes he won't be blind? Was there a message in the outcome of the other two patients? -A classic, I only learned the answers to these thoughts after reading it the second time!
I agree with you about the porn qualities of Asher Lev. Not comfortable, but I still learned much. I also read the gift of Asher Lev, similar. Old men at midnight , I did not finish, it was similar to the Lev books in uncomfortable discriptions.
BUT-- the biography he wrote, The Gates of November, was riveting and very educational. It is the story of the Slepak family and their long battle to get out of Russia under the Jewish persecutions.
My husband has relatives who were able to leave Russia during those same years, so it was particularly interesting for me. Maybe for you, too?
Cathryn
Importance of Hebrew
I have heard many different opinions about Asher Lev. Many people say it is depressing but thought provoking. Definitely a book to discuss with others.
I loved "The Chosen". One of the things that really intrigued me about the book was the richness of the Hebrew language. Later I have read the GWCAn abbreviation of George Wythe University (formerly George Wythe College), a private liberal arts college headquartered in Cedar City, Utah, which Dr. Oliver DeMille helped found, and where he formerly served as president. There are also plans underway for building a much larger campus in Monticello, Utah, and plans have also been announced for a remote campus in Alberta, Canada. Newsletter "Hebrew: The Language of Liberty". That says it all for me on why I was so intrigued about Hebrew.
Note:
The Newsletter mentioned above can be found in the GWCAn abbreviation of George Wythe University (formerly George Wythe College), a private liberal arts college headquartered in Cedar City, Utah, which Dr. Oliver DeMille helped found, and where he formerly served as president. There are also plans underway for building a much larger campus in Monticello, Utah, and plans have also been announced for a remote campus in Alberta, Canada. Pre-2008 Archives.
Re: Chaim Potok
I had this very same experience. I loved The Chosen and so bought My Name is Asher Lev at a library sale. I actually didn't finish it as to me the content slanted toward written porn, and it made me uncomfortable. I did want to mention that tho, so moms would perhaps read the book first before handing it off to a child, if that is a concern of theirs.
It really made me think about assuming if I loved one book from an author that I would love all books, or that all books would be appropriate to me.
So in answer to our question--yes, I came away feeling oppressed and actually threw the book away. Not a classic, in my opinion. (But that's the great thing about classics--we each get to choose which is or isn't one for us!)
Re: Chaim Potok
I've read "The Gift of Asher Lev" and "The Chosen," and found them to be thought-provoking books. I hope I can write coherently about it since it's been a month or so since I read them, and hopefully I can remember the specifics.
I love Chaim Potok's books, and I intend to read them all, but they are disturbing in the pictures of a society completely dominated by tradition and blind faith. It makes me wonder about my own faith, and examine myself to see if I am following from blind obedience or from a true and thinking desire to submit my will to God's. It also makes me look at the way I treat those around me, all of them.
I'd love to keep writing, but I'm having a hard time getting my thoughts straight. I checked out those books from the library, and this is a prime example of why I am trying to buy most of the books I am reading right now. I find it very hard to accurately recall lines and events from books unless I have them to refer to. I guess, though, that is why I should be taking notes on what I read not just in the margins, but on separate paper as well. I am trying to make that transition.
All in all, I love Chaim Potok's books, but they are not comfortable books to read. Fascinating, yes, but certainly not comfortable.