1. Mr. Lowenstein encourages Hana to take the lead on the Neumann case because of her Israeli heritage. Do you think it was a wise decision for him to bring on a lawyer with a personal tie to the case? Why or why not?
2. Hana and Jakob Brodksy have a complicated relationship throughout much of the novel. What did you notice about their initial interactions, and how do you think they would interact if the story continued?
3. The Neumann family does not want Sadie involved in the court proceedings at all, even asking that her name be withheld. What do you think about this decision?
4. Hana and Jakob find themselves in many high-risk situations as they try to absolve Gloria’s death. In what ways do they take responsible measures, and in what other ways do they put themselves in danger?
5. Hana’s Uncle Anwar speaks a word of blessing over her when she visits, reminding her of Hannah in the Bible and telling her that he “prays she will pass the test.” What do you think Hana’s test was?
6. What do you think drew Jakob to visiting holy sites during his free time? Which places in or near the area would you be interested in seeing?
7. What was your reaction to Daud’s deceptive act when confronting the terrorists? Would you be able to trust him again quickly, as Hana did?
8. Jakob experiences a spiritual moment at the Western Wall as he overhears a man praying for Russian Jews to know Christ, even mentioning his biblical namesake. When he looks for the man on his way out, he is nowhere to be seen. Given Jakob’s faith background, what do you think he meant by feeling “different” after the incident?
9. What are your thoughts on the relevance of themes in Chosen People in today’s world?
10. After Hana returns to the United States, how do you think Ben and Sadie Neumann’s story changes moving forward?