Friday, April 11, 2008

Writing group

This bog is to open up our format for writing this paper. I am not a fan of this style but will try to make the most of it.

I have looked up some historical and background information about the Hasidic community in the new world.
Let me know if we want a different format.

1 comment:

workerbee said...

Hey girls, Here is what I have written so far. This is a rough draft and probably could use some transitions between topics. I will also make a works cited page with the sources I cited in the paper.

In modern day Hasidic communities the rebbe maintains a similar role to that of the Rebbe in My Name is Asher Lev. The role of rebbe is one of the main distinctions of the Hasidic Jews in Crown Height and neighboring sects. The rebbe is considered a zaddik, or holy man. “A rebbe is seen as a miracle worker who intervenes with God on behalf of his followers.” (Humes)
In My Name is Asher Lev, the Rebbe mirrors the real-world role of the rebbe. The Rebbe seemed to separate himself spiritually but intervenes in all decisions mad by the community and its members. “…near the Ark where the Rebbe sat praying, quietly, alone, faintly, luminous against the dark wood of the wall.” (Potok 268) It is the Rebbe who decided that Uncle Yaakov would study Russian affairs. It is the Rebbe who sends Aryeh on all his travels both local and abroad. Rivkeh is visited by the Rebbe when her brother is killed and later the one who gives permission for her to finish Yaakov’s work. She must get his permission because she is stepping outside the traditional female role in this Hasidic community. As Asher grows and begins to display his incredible gift, the Rebbe’s influence becomes more constant. It is the Rebbe who decises that Asher would study with Jacob Kahn. When Asher continues his education, it is the Rebbe who decides that Asher study French and later in college Russian. In his soft, all-loving,all-knowing, God-like way, the Rebbe convinces Asher to study Russian, “I entered college and registered for a class in Russian.” (285)
In this way, the Rebbe keeps Asher connected to his Hasidic community andhis obligation to the community. As the struggle is constant for Asher between family and community obligations and his individual need to create his art. “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 of you an artist. But only you will make of yourself a Jew.” (243) The Rebbe helps Asher to find some sort of balance between the two. The Rebbe seems to work with Asher’s gift, unlike his father who constantly struggles against it.
I see the role of the Rebbe comparable to bishops in the Catholic church. It is the role of the bishop to govern the affairs of the diocese he is in charge of. He is chosen and appointed by the Pope. The Rebbe is appointed to be the spiritual leader of the community. The first duty for the bishop is to tend to the spiritual well-being of the diocese and the Rebbe is the spiritual leader for the Hasidic community. The bishop is in charge of the priests of his diocese. The Rebbe sends chosen people to do task for him.