Chaim Potok, the rabbi, novelist and playwright whose best known work might be the novel, "The Chosen," died July 23 at his home in Merion, PA, according to The New York Times Mr. Potok's novels addressed the world of Hasidic Judaism, and then tension between the world within and outside that Jewish community. He was 73 years old, and also leaves behind plays, including Out of the Depths and Sins of the Father, both of which had their premieres in Philadelphia. In 1999, an adaptation of 1967's "The Chosen" played the Arden Theatre in Philly. His director and co-adaptor was Arden founder Aaron Posner. Part of that company's mission is to draw on local voices, which Mr. Potok was. A musical version of the tale, set in Williamsburg Brooklyn, was seen on Broadway in 1988. A feature film was released in 1981.

Mr. Potok's novels include "The Promise," "My Name is Asher Lev," "In the Beginning," "The Book of Lights" and "I am the Clay."

Mr. Potok had struggled with cancer in recent years. His wife, Adena, and three children survive him.