How we cite our quotes: (Page.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Ribbono Shel Olom, help the Rebbe change his mind. Please, Ribbono Shel Olom. Please. (93.2)
Asher prays to God that he will be spared from moving to Vienna with his parents. This quote shows us both the desperation of his prayer and his belief in the power of the Jewish god to effect major changes in the universe. And guess what? His prayer is (somewhat) answered: His father travels to Vienna, but Asher doesn't have to.
Quote #8
'Asher, you have a gift. I do not know if it is a gift from the Ribbono Shel Olom or from the Other Side. If it is from the Other Side, then it is foolishness, dangerous foolishness, for it will take you away from the Torah and from your people and lead you to think only for yourself.' (109.2)
Asher's father acknowledges his gift, but worries that it might violate the religious principles of the Hasidic community. This is a very real concern for him—for the Hasidic Jew, religion always comes first. Other stuff like family and your child's talents come second. Sometimes even third.
Quote #9
'I have you in my mind and heart, Asher Lev. I pray to the Master of the Universe that the world will one day also hear of you as a Jew. Do you understand my words? Jacob Kahn will make you an artist. But only you will make of yourself a Jew.' (243.13)
The Rabbi wants Asher to remember his religious roots, even as he's skyrocketing to fame as a prodigy painter. The assumption here is that painting can be taught, but you are born with religious conviction, and it's up to you whether or not you want to carry that religious conviction into your adult life. Heavy stuff. What about natural-born talent? That's pretty similar to being born into a religion, right? We know for sure the Rabbi probably disagrees with us, but what do you think?