University of Pennsylvania receives papers, memorabilia of ‘Chosen’ author Chaim Potok

U. of Penn receives papers of author Chaim Potok

PHILADELPHIA — The University of Pennsylvania is home to papers documenting the literary career and life of rabbi-turned-author Chaim (KHYM’) Potok.

The collection includes correspondence, writings, lectures, sermons, articles, memorabilia and fan mail for the man who wrote “The Chosen.”

The 1967 novel follows the friendship between two Jewish boys with different backgrounds. Subsequent books, including “My Name is Asher Lev,” also explore the conflicts between religious and secular Jewish life.

Penn announced Friday that the Potok collection is housed at the university’s rare book and manuscript library. Potok left the papers to Penn in his will.

Potok was a Penn alumnus who also taught at the Ivy League school in Philadelphia. He died of brain cancer in 2002 at age 73.