My Name is Asher Lev Religion Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Page.Paragraph)

Quote #1

I am an observant Jew. Yes, of course, observant Jews do not paint crucifixions. (1.1)

This quote states the major paradox of the book: Asher Lev is an observant Jew who's nevertheless drawn to doing things observant Jews aren't typically drawn to doing. This generates some major tensions, including a book-long indentity crisis for Asher.

Quote #2

I drew my memory of him praying in our synagogue on Shabbos, garbed in his prayer shawl, only his read beard visible. I drew my memory of him weeping on Yom Kippur as he chanted the prayer describing the slaughter of the ten great sages by the Romans. I would stand close to him in the white sanctity beneath the prayer shawl and I would see him cry as if the killing were taking place before his eyes. (11.2)

Aryeh Lev is incredibly religious. One could argue that it's his most defining characteristic. Here we see that religiosity in action, as well as what a profound influence it was on Asher as a child.

Quote #3

'It's time for sleep now, Asher. Let me hear your Krias Shema.' (17.10)

Every night of his childhood, Asher says the Krias Shema, which is a nighttime prayer in Hebrew commonly said by very devout Jews. This shows what a significant presence religion is in Asher's life as he's growing up. The prayer is more than likely engrained in his memory forever.