Danny resumes talking to Reuven, and the boys apologize to one another. Danny has resigned himself to experimental psychology and wants to study for a Ph.D. He dreads telling his father about this plan, but is intent on going through with it.
Reuven tells his father of Danny’s plans to study psychology in graduate school and thus give up the position of tzaddik that he was to inherit from his father. Mr. Malter says that this decision is going to cause Reb Saunders a lot of pain.
Reuven asks Danny if he will still practice Orthodox Judaism when he goes to graduate school, and Danny replies that nothing will prevent him from keeping the tradition. Danny is accepted into Columbia University and is apprehensive about telling his father but knows that he has to. He procrastinates.
Reuven visits the Saunders home for the first day of Passover. Reb Saunders, Danny, and Reuven talk. Reb Saunders speaks to Danny through Reuven. The Reb discusses how he himself was raised in silence and the reasons for his continuing this practice with Danny. In addition, he knows all about Danny’s academic intentions and discharges him from his responsibilities as a tzaddik, acknowledging that Danny will be a “tzaddik for the world.”
Danny and Reuven graduate from Hirsch College, and Danny leaves to go to Columbia University. He and Reuven vow to continue their friendship.
