In preparation for our trip to Israel I reread one of Chaim Potok's novels, My Name is Asher Lev. Potok was a Jew and a rabbi from a family of rabbis. He was trained in the orthodox tradition but the ideas he expresses in articles and books demonstrate his own wrestling with the deep truths of traditional Judaism and their intersection with modernity. His first novel, The Chosen, was a huge success.
My Name is Asher Lev is also very good. The young Asher is captivated by drawing and painting in an orthodox world which views artistic expression, particularly of human images, as a form of idolatry. Reminscent of Marc Chagall, a Jew, Lev gains fame through two "crucifixion" paintings which also bring the criticism and rejection of his Jewish community.
I'm now reading the sequel, The Gift of Asher Lev, which is not as accomplished as the first novel, yet is still compelling for me. Potok's characters, including the Rebbe who is the revered leader of this Ladover community in Brooklyn, seek to understand what Asher's gift means -- or is it a curse? Is it from Satan or God? Can the biblical prohibition against creating idols hold while recognizing that art can actually be a means to experiencing and glorifying the divine?
As someone who studied art history in university this is a vital exploration, even in Protestant Christianity. The so-called reformers were suspicious of what they viewed as the excesses and idolatry of Roman Catholicism, often removing art from places of worship or literally white-washing frescoes and other images.
For me, beauty in its various forms is God-breathed and should be respected and honoured. I'm glad I came back to these Potok novels and the insights they offer.
Chaim Potok
2 comments:
He could be your brother, David - strong resemblance !
Oh the conversations we could have enjoyed!
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