My name is Asher Lev. This is what this story is all about. A boy trying to find his identity through his art. In the beginning of his story, Asher introduced himself as an observant Jew and an artist that caused controversy in his community.(pp3) His mother encouraged him to draw but wanted him to draw pretty pictures. His father thought it was foolishness because it against his Jewish beliefs.
Like the novel, ' A Wrinkle in Time', this story focuses on 'love'. Asher has a deep love for art and his parents has a love to finish their work with the Rebbe. What was missing was the love shown between Asher and his parents. If his parents were not absent in body, they were absent in spirit. Asher felt alone with little to no support from his parents. This behavior caused Asher to become more afraid to show his true self through his art.
Asher's lack of attention from his parents, because of their belief that their unfinished work was more important than him, developed a rebellious nature in Asher. His refusal to do his studies at school was probably his cry of "I do not want to be like my parents." He knew if he excelled in his studies like his parents did, the Rebbe would ask him to do the same thing he asked his parents to do when he finished his studies. Asher felt that his purpose in life was not to serve the Rebbe, but to give the world an appreciation of his artwork.
There are many parents that want to choose their children's future in life. They feel that their children has to exhibit a particular attitude and lifestyle so they won't be embarrassed by the community. People tend to worry more about what the community thinks of them than to do whatever their gift sends them. They fail to realize that not everybody has the same vision as they do. This way of thinking causes conflict, confusion, and pain within a family or group. This is why humans should always help, support, and love one another especially when there are differences in opinion and purpose.
I enjoyed this novel because it gives us the reason why there is a 'purpose for humanity'. The lack of love and support to keep unity shows what could happen if the family lacks love and support for each other. This circumstance with Asher took me to a word a wisdom from Ibid.
It says:
"Time is able to determine what we do, feel and think. When time becomes an expression of what we think is important, then time is our own and we are free. When our time is spent in ways unrelated to our values, then we are in bondage."
Asher felt free when he studied with Jacob Kahn but in bondage whenever he went to stay with his parents. It's because Jacob Kahn helped Asher release what was inside of him through his art and his parents tried to discourage him by ridiculing him of his love for art.
I have been in the same position as Asher many times in my life. It can be very discouraging when you don't have the love and support from your family and the community when you want to express yourself through the gift God has given you. I've learned through my life experiences and through this story that it doesn't matter what people think or say about you. If you do it for God and he is pleased, that's all that should matter.
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