Chaim Potok

"My Name Is Asher Lev"

My Name Is Asher Lev is a novel written by Chaim Potok, an American author and rabbi. The story revolves around the protagonist, Asher Lev, a young Hasidic Jewish boy residing in New York City. Asher is portrayed as a solitary individual, spending most of his time engrossed in his artistic endeavors. However, his passion for art becomes a source of controversy within his family and community. The novel takes the reader through Asher's journey of maturation, as he discovers his own identity as both an artist and a Jew.



From an early age, Asher displays exceptional talent as a painter. He is the only child of Rivkeh and Aryeh Lev, a deeply religious Orthodox couple. Asher's father serves as an emissary for the Rebbe, the esteemed leader of the Ladover Hasidic community. While his mother appreciates and nurtures Asher's artistic abilities, often requesting him to create beautiful drawings for her, his father views his artistic pursuits with disdain.



At the age of six, Asher's family receives the tragic news of his mother's only brother, Uncle Yakov's death. Yakov had been studying history and Russian affairs while traveling on behalf of the Rebbe when he was involved in a fatal car accident. This devastating event plunges Asher's mother into a prolonged state of depression. As Asher's father continues his work and travels for the Rebbe, the young boy often finds himself alone with a housekeeper as his only company.



When Asher's uncle Yitzchok, who is Aryeh's brother, pays a visit, he takes notice of Asher's drawings and compares him to a young Chagall, a

renowned Jewish artist. Asher is unfamiliar with the name and learns from his uncle that Chagall is considered the greatest living Jewish artist, while Picasso is regarded as the greatest artist of all time. Impressed by Asher's talent, Uncle Yitzchok purchases one of his drawings, believing that it may become valuable in the future. However, when Asher's father discovers this, he disapproves of encouraging what he perceives as a foolish hobby and insists that Yitzchok return the drawing.



As Asher's mother's depression deepens, the young boy is haunted by nightmares of his father's great-great-grandfather. This mythical ancestor symbolizes Asher's religious and cultural heritage, as well as the burdens and expectations placed upon him. When Rivkeh, Asher's mother, starts to recover from her depression, she decides to carry on her brother's work and enrolls in schoolto study Russian History.



During this period, Asher spends much of his time alone and stops drawing. He considers this as the moment when his artistic gift was taken away and vows never to allow it to happen again. After Stalin's death, travel within Europe becomes more accessible for Asher's father. The Rebbe requests that he relocate to Vienna, but he declines the offer. Asher is deeply attached to his neighborhood and fears that losing the connections he has formed there would also result in losing his artistic abilities.



As Aryeh becomes increasingly frustrated with his son's artistic pursuits, Rivkeh often finds herself caught in the middle of their disagreements. Aryeh spends a significant amount of time in Vienna, while Rivkeh stays in Brooklyn with Asher, causing a rift within the family. Asher, seeking inspiration and exposure to great art, starts frequenting museums. He notices that many paintings in the museums depict Christian imagery, which captivates his interest.

Asher decides to confide in the Rebbe privately, seeking guidance. The Rebbe suggests that he meet Jacob Kahn, a successful artist in his seventies who happens to be a nonpracticing Jew. Asher becomes Jacob's student and begins studying art under his expert guidance. Jacob shares his experiences of working with Picasso in Paris and his knowledge of the renowned artists of the century. Through Jacob, Asher is introduced to Anna Schaeffer, a gallery owner who represents Jacob's artwork. Asher learns that Anna will play a significant role in introducing his own art to the world.



While Asher embarks on his first steps into the art world, his mother decides to leave for Vienna. She entrusts the care of Asher to his uncle, Yitzchok. In the meantime, Anna organizes Asher's first art exhibition, promoting him as a prodigious talent. The show is met with a positive reception, leading to further exhibitions and sales of Asher's artwork.



After completing his college education, Asher comes to the decision that he must travel to Europe to further his studies and pursue his artistic career. He embarks on a solo journey, starting with Italy and subsequently making his way to France. Eventually, he settles in Paris, where he dedicates himself to his artistic work. During this time, Anna, the gallery owner, pays him a visit in order to arrange another art exhibition in New York. She is deeply moved by two of Asher's paintings depicting crucifixion scenes, symbolizing the inner struggle facedby his mother torn between her husband and her son. Asher is well aware that these paintings will provoke controversy within his family and the conservative community he belongs to.



As Asher had anticipated, the impact of his paintings on his parents and the community is profound. The exhibition becomes a critical success, with a museum even purchasing the two crucifixion paintings. However, the divide between Asher and his family, as well as his religious community, proves to be irreparable. The Rebbe, acknowledging the

situation, advises Asher that he must leave. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Asher accepts his fate, essentially facing exile. He departs for Europe, carrying with him the enduring memory of his parents watching him from their window.