The Gift of the Ribbono Shel Olom Anonymous 9th Grade

In Chaim Potok’s novel My Name is Asher Lev, Asher struggles with self-identity and going against tradition, which ultimately leads him to question whether his gift of art comes from the Ribbono Shel Olom or the sitra achra. Asher’s gift comes from the Ribbono Shel Olom for three main reasons: all gifts come from the Ribbono Shel Olom, conflicts between following tradition and striving for individuality leads to the distortion of the truth, and his gift is the Ribbono Shel Olom’s will. Although one may seem to think that Asher’s gift comes from the sitra achra, the themes of irony and blindness reveal deeper concepts which confirm the fact that Asher’s gift comes from the Ribbono Shel Olom.

In a meeting with Asher regarding his career in art, the Rebbe says, “Certain things are given, and it is for man to bring goodness into the world. The Master of the Universe gives us glimpses, only glimpses. It is for us to open our eyes wide.” Simply put, gifts and talents come from the Ribbono Shel Olom. In addition, it is in our calling to bring forth these gifts and utilize them to bring goodness into the world. This is what Asher is doing; bringing goodness into the world by revealing the truth through his art. Then again, the truth is...