The Conversion of the Jews
By Philip Roth, first published in Paris Review
A young Jewish boy has a theological struggle with his stubborn Rabbi who refuses to answer his inquires about God.
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Plot Summary
Ozzie Freedman talks to his friend Itzie Lieberman about a conversation he had with Rabbi Binder. The discussion was about Jesus Christ. Rabbi Binder insisted that Jesus was purely historical and was a normal human being like everyone else, born of intercourse between Joseph and Mary. Ozzie then asks Rabbi Binder why God couldn't just create a baby without intercourse, if he was powerful enough to create the world in 6 days. Ozzie tells Itzie that this is not the only time he has had a heated discussion with Rabbi Binder and that each time has led to his mother being called in to talk with Rabbi Binder. Eventually, Ozzie’s mother comes home and he tells her about the discussion he had with Rabbi Binder and she hits him. The next time he is at the synagogue, during free discussion time, Rabbi Binder forces Ozzie to ask his question. Ozzie then asks why God is unable yo make anything he wants to make. Ozzie then tells Rabbi Binder that he knows nothing about God. This leads Rabbi Binder to accidentally hit Ozzie on the nose. Ozzie then runs to the roof of the synagogue. He refuses to come down. Eventually the fire department is called. Rabbi Binder urges him not to jump but his friends do. His mother arrives and also urges him not to jump. Eventually, Ozzie tells everyone to say that God can make a child without intercourse. After everyone has done so, Ozzie jumps onto the fireman’s net.
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