sid, go on to graduate school, and become a psychologist. When he has resolved to do this, Mr. Malter tells him he must prepare what he will say to his father. An arranged marriage will have to be broken, the inheritance of spiritual leadership will go to Levi, the tradition of six generations will have been broken, and Reb Saunders will have lost to the world he hates and fears the son he most treasures. Before Danny can confront his father, however, his father confronts him. Using Reuven as a foil through whom to speak to his son, Reb Saunders reveals that he knows his son will not become a rabbi. And so Reb Saunders reveals his plan was not to train Danny to take his inherited position, but to pass along the tradition of the tzaddik. So if Danny chose to reject the old world, he would be prepared to enter the new one with a compassionate soul, not with a brilliant uncaring intellect. Reb Saunders’ pain is made evident at the novel’s conclusion. He has recognized his own limitations as Danny’s teacher and has seen the Malters as a blessing: worthy guides for Danny. He also knows that the Malters integrate Danny into the America he himself is cut off from, and compassionate individuals in their own right, an essential feature in a teacher....
