Subsequently, prior to Asher having his bar mitzvah, the Rebbe called him into his office. Asher’s carelessness in the situation depicted how art served as an obstacle to his studies and more importantly, his religion. Additionally, the Rebbe is recognized as the charismatic leader of a Hasidic sect, drawing him unsympathetically is regarded as profane. (Potok 124) A Chumash is one of the five books of the Torah and drawing in one is seen as a “desecration of the Name of God” as it disrespects their beliefs entirely. Asher’s craze of art gradually became extreme when he unconsciously drew in a Chumash and “was frightened at the picture had drawn” of the Rebbe.

As years passed, he slowly became a fanatic of artistry however, drawing was frowned upon and served as an opposition to his religion. Despite the contradictions Asher was faced with, he learned to persevere in his fascination with art, which ultimately outweighed his religious expectations.Īsher’s early years consisted of an abundance of drawings ranging from sketches of his mother to draw the world as a dreadful place.

Jews are strictly prohibited from drawing figures, yet Asher still became absorbed in the artistic realm. Being a Hasidic Jew means abiding by the Torah and adhering to the lifestyle it suggests. Since childhood, he was placed in a difficult situation where he was torn between following his religious views or pursuing his passion for art. In My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok, the main character, Asher, is born a Hasidic Jew with devoted religious parents.

Chaim potok paintings