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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. With whom does Reb Saunders think Danny is involved?

2. What film do Danny and Reuven and their dates go to see?

3. What does Michael still refuse to do?

4. What has Michael asked?

5. What is Reuven's father's response to Reuven's meetings with Kalman?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Danny tell Reuven and what is Reuven's reaction?

2. What do Danny, Rachel, Reuven and Eileen go to see and what is their response?

3. What small breakthrough happens with Michael, and what does his mother want?

4. What does Michael do when Reuven says he is going inside because he is cold?

5. How is David Malter's recent book release still affecting the community?

6. What is the impact of David Malter's book and Kalman's ensuing article on the Yeshiva where David teaches?

7. What do Reuven and Professor Gordon discuss when Reuven visits him?

8. Describe Abe Greenfield and his problem at opening of Chapter 8.

9. What is the difference in scholarly approaches between Kalman and Reuven's father.

10. What is Michael's recent disturbing behavior and what precipitated Michael's actions?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 11, Reuven is in Kalman's class, but their encounter is brief. Kalman says nothing to Reuven and Reuven feels hatred for him. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Reuven's hatred for Kalman is justified?

2. Can this difference of ideology between Kalman and Reuven be a metaphor for the differences between any two people/groups/nations that have ideological differences? Explain fully.

3. Why do you think most people want others to believe the way they do? Is this healthy? Does it contribute to peace or conflict?

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 4, David Malter is impressed that Gordon has a theology where Jews can fail to believe but remain observant. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think Jews who do not believe in God would want to still observe the religious rituals surrounding the Jewish religious beliefs?

2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of following the outward form without the inner beliefs.

3. Do you think it is a common practice for a person to follow the outward trappings of his/her religion (whether Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hindu, etc...) but not actually believe?

4. If you no longer believed in the spiritual/theological ideas behind the outward practice of your religion, would you continue to participate in the ceremonies that are a part of your belief system? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of change. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with change? Why? What are some symbols of change? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of mental/emotional illness. Which characters struggle with some sort of emotional illness? Why? Which characters seem really healthy emotionally/mentally? Why? How is Michael Gordon's emotional problems a metaphor for the changes taking place in the realm of Jewish theology?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of tradition. What is Reuven's view of tradition? Kalman's? Michael Gordon's? Professor Gordon's? Why is tradition important to some characters? Is anyone willing to abandon traditional viewpoints? Who? What are the positive and negative sides to tradition?

(see the answer keys)

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