The Chosen Lesson Plan

Apikorsim Discussion

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

To understand the role of Judaic culture and themes of otherness in the novel

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.4

Structure:

To begin this activity, return to the page in Chapter One where Reuven, as the narrator, explains what apikorsim means (singular: apikoros). This passage begins with, “The word had meant, originally, a Jew educated in Judaism who denied basic tenets of his faith…”

You can lead students through a discussion by asking the following questions:

-Why do you think apikorsim is such an insult?

-How does Danny’s insult affect the mood of...