A man must fill his life with meaning, meaning is not automatically given to life.

Reuven listen to me. The Talmud says that a person should do two things for himself. One is to acquire a teacher. Do you remember the other." "Choose a friend," I said. "Yes. You know what a friend is, Reuven? A Greek philosopher said that two people who are true friends are like two bodies with one soul." I nodded. "Reuven, if you can, make Danny Saunders your friend." "I like him a lot, abba." "No. Listen to me. I am not talking about only liking him. I am telling you to make him your friend and to let him make you his friend.

A book is sent out into the world, and there is no way of fully anticipating the responses it will elicit. Consider the responses called forth by the Bible, Homer, Shakespeare - let alone contemporary poetry or a modern novel.

If a person has a contribution to make, he must make it in public. If learning is not made public, it is a waste.

Two hundred or more years ago most people on the planet were never aware of any reality other than the one into which they were brought up.

I have faith in the Torah. I am not afraid of truth.

A writer is a strange instrument of our species, a harp of sorts, fine-tuned to the dark contradictions of life.