My Name is Apostle Lev
Culture
By Menachem Wecker
I wasn’t thinking about Mormons on March 4, when I tweeted about my review of “My Name is Asher Lev.” Thirty-six minutes later, I heard from William Morris, an expert on Mormon arts and culture. “Excellent review,” Morris noted. “For (I believe) obvious reasons, ‘My Name Is Asher Lev’ is very popular with Mormon writers and artists.” Those reasons may have been obvious to Morris, but the message caught me completely off guard. What does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints see in a novel about a Hasidic kid who grows increasingly alienated from his family and community when he paints nudes and crucifixions?
Mormon interest in Jews apparently stretches significantly further than the genealogies used to baptize Holocaust victims by proxy, as revealed in the recent uproar. Research uncovered a staggering amount of information on Potok and Mormonism. Google searches for “Chaim Potok” and “LDS” or “Chaim Potok” and “Mormon” yield a joint 4,000 hits, including an article in the journal Irreantum: A Review of Mormon Literature and Film by Elizabeth K.M. Busby, titled “Going Mainstream: Chaim Potok as a Model for Mormon Literature.” An online Mormon book group discussing “Reading Chaim Potok to Understand Mormonism” drew 65 comments on its first post. And the historical clincher: two audio cassette recordings of Potok’s address at Brigham Young University on December 9, 1982. And why was he there? In Potok’s words, according to an April 1983 article in BYU Today, “I came here, frankly, as a mark of the regard I have for the tenacious way you hold to your tradition.”
In fact, BYU’s library is a trove of Potok works. BYU’s collection includes 39 Potok books, including seven copies of “The Promise,” five of “My Name Is Asher Lev,” eight of “The Chosen,” seven of “In the Beginning,” and four of “The Book of Lights.” By comparison, Yeshiva University’s library has only 20 copies of Potok’s books — three fewer “Ashers,” four fewer “Beginnings,” and two fewer “Lights.” Salt Lake City’s public library system carries 27 Potok volumes, while the system in Newport News, Va., which has about the same population as Salt Lake City, has just 12 volumes.
Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to talk to a few people in the LDS community. For a story I wrote about young Mormon artists question-
ing the historicity of church-sponsored paintings I interviewed both a Mormon bishop and a spokeswoman for the church and this year I ended up moderating a panel on Mormon art at the 2009 conference of the Sunstone Education Foundation, a Mormon not-for-profit unaffiliated with the church, in Arlington, Va. But this hardly prepared me for the answer to why some Mormons, at least, were looking to the Jews for inspiration: subgroups.
Several of the Mormons posting on the online forum cited Jews’ success at sustaining multiple denominations rather than enduring schism and reformation like the Catholic Church as a healthy religious role model. “I think we’re decades (or maybe a century or three) from having the kind of well-established subgroups as Judaism,” Kristine, a poster on the Potok forum wrote, noting that there are only affiliated and nonaffiliated Mormons, “unless, as mentioned above, you count the many Restoration churches that split off in the pre-Utah period and polygamous branches of the Mormon tree.”
Mary D. agreed. “It is central to Judaism to debate and question. If a Jew does not agree with the Rabbi they can move on to another synagogue. This is not the case in Mormonism. There is no way to legitimately be an orthodox, conservative, or reform Mormon,” she wrote on the forum. “I wonder if these differences come with age. Judaism has learned over thousands of years that survival necessitates having diversity. LDS is still very young. It is holding together through conformity.”
But the discussion was not monolithic, following almost Talmudic divagations. One poster said pretending that discussions of Jewish sects could reveal anything meaningful about Mormonism “diminishes the historical context of Judaism to the point of absurdity or obscures the nature of differing opinions within Mormonism.”
According to Ben Crowder, founder and editor of Mormon Artist magazine, mainstream Mormonism does not encourage denominations or subgroups, since the church maintains absolute authority. “If people have ideas for policies and practices, those sorts of things are great, but the church doesn’t change doctrine based on what other groups are doing,” he said. “Only the prophet can do that, and we believe that he only does so when directed by God through revelation.”
Though he thinks Kristine and Mary D. do not represent conventional Mormon views, Crowder said Mormons are definitely fascinated with Jewish culture, including the movie version of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Mormons consider Judaism to be a parent religion, and they study the New and Old Testaments, but a lot of what Mormons know about modern Jewish culture comes from Potok. Crowder said, “I’d say almost everyone at BYU knows of ‘The Chosen,’ or at least the people who read books do.”
“I don’t know of any other Jewish authors with the same sort of name recognition that Potok has among Mormons,” Busby said in an interview. “However, Jewish literature as a whole aggregate concept is often held up to show that there can be a Mormon literature.”
As far as the larger issues of Jewish-Mormon relations, Busby sympathizes with the Jews who oppose the baptisms of Holocaust victims. “I can absolutely see why Jews and others would be horrified at these ordinances, which they see as forced conversions, a sort of tricky, ‘Ha, ha, gotcha’ way to drag people into our camp without permission,” she said. “If it were so, I would absolutely refuse to participate.” Instead, Busby said, the ordinances are more of a “can’t hurt, could help” approach, wherein the deceased ultimately gets to choose whether she or he wants to accept the ordinance. If it is rejected, Busby said, “it’s as though it was never performed.” Mormons are also not trying to steal Potok, Busby assured. “Mormons are under no delusion that Asher Lev is Mormon; he is very much Jewish. However, we recognize in him pieces of ourselves, dilemmas we have faced, but of course it is only a resemblance, not a reflection.”
Menachem Wecker, who blogs on religion and the arts at Iconia.canonist.com, is based in Washington, D.C.
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I really enjoyed this article. I was just introduced to "Asher Lev" last year and absolutely loved it. As a Mormon artist who has studied both in and out of Utah, I felt connected to the story on a very personal level. I had no idea so much had been done to connect the LDS faith to Potok, but you've definitely peaked my interest in finding out more.
To understand the Mormon connection to Judaism (as perceived by Mormons), you have to understand their beleif that they are literally adoptees of the House of Israel, and heirs to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Most Mormons receive a special blessing by a "patriarch" (an office in the Mormon priesthood), a critical feature of which is a declaration of the tribal lineage of the person receiveing the blessing. As a reult, most Mormons are affiliated, at least in thier minds and hearts, with one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
I think you may be overlooking the forest for the trees here. I encountered Chaim Potok as a high-school student some 40 years ago and ended up reading several of his novels (some of which I still have). I had joined the LDS Church at age 14, but I was the only member of my family to do so, so it is not as though I came from a strong Mormon heritage. So the answers above don't explain my own response to Potok.
I think the answer includes the fact that Potok deals with modern (Jewish) religious belief and practice -- with all its issues, pitfalls, and contradictions -- in a serious way. He treats religion with respect -- not piety, assurance or inevitability, but respect -- even as he shows struggles with it. Not many 20th Century authors do that, particularly for a minority religion with significant cultural aspect -- such as Judaism or Mormonism. Mormon fiction tends to struggle with the right-answer/happy-ending syndrome, which is why Potok is often looked to as a model for more complex Mormon literature.
Another Jewish author whose works I have enjoyed for much the same reason is Isaac Bashevis Singer; I have seven or eight paperback editions of his short stories and novels. Singer likewise could serve as a model for Mormon literature, particularly with his willingness to delve into 'magic realism'. I would argue that Orson Scott Card's "Seventh Son" series of novels applies Singer's approach to Mormon themes.
Great article, by the way. ..bruce..
Bruce F. Webster Parker, CO
How does LDS reconcile proxy baptisms (where it believes it is querying the spirits of the dead) with the prohibitions against communing with the dead in the Hebrew Bible? Such things are proscribed in the Torah!
King Saul tried to raise the shade of the Prophet Samuel by consulting the Witch of Endor: 1 Samuel 28
Holly,
Latter-day Saints do not make inquiry of the dead before performing proxy baptisms. We go forward without any knowledge of their worthiness or of their will.
Moral agency – freedom of choice and accountability for our choices – is a fundamental doctrine of Mormonism, and so our proxy ordinances are entirely conditional upon the moral agency of the dead. We do not consider those for whom we have performed proxy ordinances to be “Mormons” -- and neither should anyone else.
It is like writing a check to the dead. The check remains valid until the day of Judgment, but it cannot be cashed unless it is endorsed.
Mormons who wish for a “religious diversity” like that of Judaism, are really wishing for the prophet to give his blessing to their practice of “cultural Mormonism.” This would be analogous to “Reform Judaism,” whereby you can claim the benefits of Judaism without incurring the “old-fashioned” responsibilities thereof.
Orthodox Jews pray fervently for Messiah to come, be he Moshiach ben Joseph, Moshiach ben Judah, or both. As I understand it, Messiah will return central authority and orthodoxy to Judaism. I suspect that Reform Jews do not pray fervently for any such outcome.
I suppose that wannabe “Reform Mormons,” if they pray at all, pray for an end to prophecy, because as long as Mormonism has a living prophet, there will be no “Reform Mormons” -- just ex-Mormons.
hthalljr'gmail'com
I have to admit, I was there for the '82 address at BYU.
I think many people love Potok because his writing is brilliant and moving and He treats religion with respect -- not piety, assurance or inevitability, but respect -- even as he shows struggles with it. Not many 20th Century authors do that, particularly for a minority religion with significant cultural aspect -- such as Judaism or Mormonism.
My thoughts.
Stephen ethesis.blogspot.com
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I'm a Mormon artist who counts Asher Lev among my favorite books. And why? Because I felt like Asher at almost every count.
Mormonism does in fact allow for lots of diversity of thought and expression --- at least in the arts --- and I've never worried about being exiled from my community for painting a crucifixion, but a bit of language or sex and I suspect there will be parts of my family that will never know quite how to speak to me again. (I'm still waiting for fallout from The Fob Bible, which family members are only now starting to buy.)
But mostly I appreciated Asher's pursuit of truth in all things, which is about as Mormon as things get; that's what we're all about, pursuing truth. And Asher is about the purist version of Truth Pursuit in Artist Form that I have ever read.
http://thmazing.com
I'm a friend of Ben Crowder, quoted in the article, and both surprised and excited to see him turn up in a paper with so rich a history as the Jewish Daily Forward!
This is a happy day for me.
I am a Jewish convert to Mormonism and an artist, too. I read Asher Lev 20 years ago,yet I think of him almost daily! Potok's books have had a great impact on how I express my artistic abilities!
Creativity is very important to me and I feel compelled to use my talents and skills to praise my Creator and bring glory to Him. Truth, purity and integrity are my guiding values. My Jewish Heritage blends perfectly with the Prophet-led Latter-day Saints.
Thank you.
How can you appreciate, any thing mankind says or thinks. The lie and deceit is seed down through all their generations. Only G-D knows truth and the desire of G-D is that, truth will let you know wisdom in the hidden part. It is written....Psalms 51....Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
The inward parts are our hearts and minds, in all we do we are to do in the name of our G-D who is good. Through G-D working in us can good comes. When we read what is written in scripture, we see that G-D is telling us...."Set Me As A Seal Upon Your Heart". Seals are usually inscribed with the owner's name, seals are used to identify, authenticte and protect the contents of documents and the vessels.
Inward parts, heart and mind, these are the documents that are held in the vessels ---us.
The hidden part, is the true foundation, the temple that G-D has been building. It is written ...Psalm 118 The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. Mankind can not enter there, nor sin to defile it.
In Psalm 101 David tells us how he set out on the path to the hidden part. It is written in Job 33....The Spirit of G-D made me, (flesh) but the breath of the Almighty gives me life. (spirit, a holy child of the Most High). Dust to dust, ashes to ashes, Spirit to spirit.
The Spirit of G-D is below and the Almighty is above. In union, a child is given up form earth, and brought forth into the house of G-D, now a holy child.
It is written ,,,Psalm 2..I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I brought you forth. or begotten you or birth you.
Note: G-D, Declares the Decree.... a decree is to be obeyed by all.
A woman is given many seeds, not all seeds, come to life or full term. We are like the seeds G-D has planted.
Do not belive mankind, they have worship the work of their hands, and have created for themselves a god that will fit in. Mankind, wants control--- and their free will is theirs alone.
G-D told Moses, that mankind can come to him and offer a free will offering for their sins. Make the sacrifice and offer your will to do the will of your G-D.
Why go to books to understand or mankind?? It is written... Isaiah 1...For you shall be ashamed of the oaks in which you delighted; and you shall blush for the gardens that you have chosen. For you shall be like an oak whose leaf withers, and like a garden without water.
Does this sound like you will find truth or wisdom on this earth... For it is written... Isaiah 1,,,,The whole head is sick. and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even to the head, ther is no soundness in it, but bruises and sores and bleeding wounds; they have not been drained, or bound up, or softened with oil.
It is written in Isaiah 1....Your new moons and your appointed festivals my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, Iam weary of bearing them. When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen;
Did you know that the only thing that can come into the eye with out hurtting it is light. it is written that G-D goes to and fro looking for his holy children, the children who hearts are lit from the fire from G-D'S burnning desire for us.
Seek, your G-D of All That Is, not mankind and their thinking.
It is written...Isaiah 26....Yes, LORD, walking in the way of Your laws, we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
The temple is being built, become a small stone, enter in the hidden part, see what was so marvelous in David and others through all are generations. Ps.118....and it is marvelous in our eyes. It is written...Psalm 54..I will sacrifice a freewill offering to You; I will praise Your name, O LORD, for it is good. The covernant that always was... the temple.....It is written Isaiah 25,,, O LORD, You are my G-D; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.