The Chosen

In 1944, we are introduced to Reuven 'Robert' Malter and Daniel 'Danny' Saunders, two 15-year-old Jewish boys living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Despite residing in the same neighborhood, they have never met and have nothing in common, representing two distinct Jewish cultures.

Reuven is a Modern Orthodox Jew, who is smart and well-liked in his community. He lost his mother during the early years of the Holocaust, and his father, David Malter, is a Talmudic scholar and staunch Zionist, dreaming of a Jewish homeland free from persecution.

Danny is a Hasidic Jew and the son of Reb Isaac Saunders, a revered Rabbi who emigrated from Russia. Although he possesses a photographic memory and is drawn to psychology, he struggles under the weight of familial expectations to become a rabbi, which leads him to feel trapped.

Reuven and Danny’s paths finally cross during a high school softball game, which escalates into a fierce rivalry. Danny’s aggressive batting approach injures Reuven, shattering his glasses and leaving him with a serious eye injury that requires hospitalization.

While Reuven recuperates in the hospital, Danny visits to apologize for the incident. Their shared experiences and contrasting backgrounds lead them to become close friends, allowing them to explore each other's lives and the complexities within their communities.

Reuven learns about Danny's secret desire to pursue psychology instead of following in his father's footsteps as a rabbi. This revelation highlights the pressures Danny faces from his strict upbringing, as only a few people, including Reuven's father, are aware of his true aspirations.

In 1945, as World War II ends, Reuven faces backlash from Danny's father, Reb Saunders. After Reuven speaks favorably about a secular Jewish state in Palestine, Reuben is forbidden from communicating with Danny, deepening the sense of alienation between the two friends.

Amidst his turbulent friendship with Danny and the pressures they both face, Reuven's father suffers a stroke due to stress from his workload. This event forces Reuven into deep reflection and solitude as he visits his father in the hospital and grapples with the notion of loyalty and sacrifice.

In November 1947, Reuven and his father hear the historic news of the UN assembly voting to establish the Jewish state of Israel. This significant event fills them with hope, and Mr. Malter expresses plans to return to their homeland once he has recovered fully from his illness.

After a two-year separation, Danny visits Reuven to rekindle their friendship. He shares that his father has accepted the reality of Israel, revealing a personal growth in both their lives, reconnecting them as they acknowledge the lessons learned through silence and separation.

Reuven and Danny discover the reason behind Reb Saunders’ method of raising his son in silence. Reb Saunders hoped to instill compassion in Danny, recognizing that his intelligence surpassed his emotional understanding. This revelation brings them closer as friends.

After witnessing Danny's growth, Reb Saunders finally speaks to him openly and gives his blessing for Danny to pursue psychology. Acknowledging the consequences of his parenting style, he asks for Danny's forgiveness, marking a turning point in their relationship.

In 1950, Danny visits Reuven on his way to Columbia University, having fully transformed his appearance and mindset. Meanwhile, Reuven prepares to join a yeshiva in Israel, revealing the resolution of their journeys as they embrace the future with hope while acknowledging their past.

Danny and Reuven reflect on their friendship and the journeys they have taken. As they prepare to pursue their respective dreams, they experience a bittersweet farewell, recognizing the deep friendship that has formed amidst their personal struggles and aspirations.