The Promise

by Chaim Potok
 
The novel "The Promise" is a continuation of Potok's book
"The Chosen. It is set in New York City and is the story of
two Jewish young men and their struggles as they earn their
master's degrees. 

Reuven is a student at a very conservative yeshiva
(Orthodox Jewish Rabbinical Seminary). Early in the book he
is introduced to his girlfriend's relatives, Abraham
Gordon, his wife Ruth and his son, Michael. He soon learns
that Michael is mentally ill and the Gordons would like
Reuven to introduce them to Danny, a Hasidic Jew who is
studying psychiatry. Since Danny is Reuven's best friend,
he arranges this meeting. Danny agrees to treat Michael and
places him into a psychiatric treatment center. 

Reuven's association with the Gordon family who represent
the most liberal side of Judaism cause him to come under
judgment by his Talmud teacher at the Yeshiva, forcing
Reuven to make a choice.