Families choose many ways to raise their children, such as to be brought up in freedom, or to be "brought up in silence." Families are always big influences in their children's lives, the influence itself depending on how those families treat them. But in "The Chosen", by Chaim Potok, not families, but fathers, have influenced Danny's and Reuvan's friendship together, and their lives.

Friendships between two people in high school are always influenced by their families, or in "The Chosen", by their fathers. When Danny and Reuvan first met, Reuvan was very apprehensive and confrontational. But it was his father, David Malter, which said to Reuvan, "Listen and forgive Danny", and through saying this, Mr. Malter started the friendship between Reuvan and Danny. So families (or fathers) may not only influence a child's friendship, but also create one. However, since families can create a friendship, they can also...