The Conversation

David Goldstein is a fairly typical Jewish American college student. All he really knows about his Jewish identity is that he's expected to marry a Jewish girl and that the State of Israel is important, but that's about it. In his freshman year he develops a passionate interest not only in a beautiful and brainy non- Jewish coed, but also in some of the major philosophical questions. Is the purpose of life just to seek pleasure? Is there an objectively good way to live one's life? In his sophomore year, as his romantic life takes several twists and turns, David delves into Judaism and the philosophy of religion. Is the belief in God rational or is it a matter of faith? If there is a God, why is there evil and suffering in the world? How do Jewish teachings differ from Eastern mystical religions? Why don't Jews accept Christianity? Soon, a disturbing personal event in his life propels him toward even deeper reflection. In his junior year, a chance meeting draws him into the study of Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah. Finally, in his senior year, he charts his own path and comes to a conclusion that will shape his life forever. David's four-year journey takes him through a series of conversations with rabbis and professors, bull sessions with friends, emails, phone calls, letters, journal entries, exams, term papers, lectures, and even a Talmud study session. Follow David on this philosophical, spiritual, and intensely personal quest as he learns about God and Judaism - as well as a few other things along the way.