My Name is Asher Lev Character Analysis

Asher Lev

Asher Lev is a Hasidic Jew and a gifted artist, a member of the somewhat insular and highly observant Ladover sect. He is the son of Aryeh Lev and Rivkeh Lev. From the time… read analysis of Asher Lev

Aryeh Lev

Aryeh Lev is Rivkeh’s husband and Asher’s father. He came to Brooklyn from Europe as a teenager, after his father’s murder. He is descended from a long line of scholarly Hasidic Jews who… read analysis of Aryeh Lev

Rivkeh Lev

Rivkeh is Aryeh’s wife and Asher’s mother. As a young woman, Rivkeh is like a light-hearted older sister to Asher, but after her older brother Yaakov dies suddenly, she suffers a psychological and… read analysis of Rivkeh Lev

Mythic Ancestor

The mythic ancestor is Asher’s great-great-great grandfather on his father Aryeh’s side. From early childhood, Asher hears stories of his ancestor’s exploits—he initially worked as the overseer for a Russian nobleman’s estates, enriching… read analysis of Mythic Ancestor

The Rebbe

The Rebbe is the leader of both the Brooklyn Ladover community and the worldwide Ladover movement. The Rebbe is a mysterious, somewhat reclusive, and larger-than-life figure. However, he is caring, thoughtful, and perceptive in personal… read analysis of The Rebbe

Jacob Kahn

Jacob Kahn is a famous sculptor who was once part of Picasso’s circle in Paris. He fled Nazi persecution to the United States during the Second World War. When Asher first meets him, he has… read analysis of Jacob Kahn

Yudel Krinsky

Yudel Krinsky is a man of Ukrainian Jewish origin who suffered an 11-year Siberian exile and lost his wife and children while there. He is characterized by his raspy voice and distinctive Russian-style skullcap. Aryeh… read analysis of Yudel Krinsky

Rav Yosef Cutler (the mashpia)

The mashpia is the religious instructor in Asher’s yeshiva. He frequently speaks to the students about Hasidic doctrine, Ladover history, and the struggles of Jews in other countries. He speaks with Asher personally… read analysis of Rav Yosef Cutler (the mashpia)

Uncle Yaakov

Uncle Yaakov is Rivkeh’s older brother. He does not appear directly in the story, but his death in a car accident when Asher is six is devastating to Rivkeh, to whom he was a… read analysis of Uncle Yaakov

Mrs. Rackover

Mrs. Rackover is a widow who starts coming to the Levs’ apartment to cook and clean after Rivkeh is hospitalized following Yaakov’s death. She only speaks Yiddish. Mrs. Rackover is “short, plump, stern, energetic… read analysis of Mrs. Rackover

The pimply-faced boy

The pimply-faced boy is Asher’s bullying yeshiva classmate. He mocks Asher as a “desecrater” and a “goy” after Asher gets in trouble for drawing in his Chumash. After he leaves cruel limericks in… read analysis of The pimply-faced boy

Uncle Yitzchok

Uncle Yitzchok is Aryeh’s brother, a jovial, down-to-earth, successful businessman who runs a jewelry and watch-repair shop. He teases young Asher about his future fame and later supports his art by setting up an… read analysis of Uncle Yitzchok

Minor Characters

Anna Schaeffer

Anna is a matronly older woman, an art dealer, who arranges exhibitions for Jacob Kahn and eventually for Asher. She is effusive, openly enjoying the riches her artists bring her, but she is also warm-hearted.

Tanya Kahn

Jacob Kahn’s quiet wife. She nurtures him through his occasional depressive spells. Asher spends summers with her and Jacob.

Aunt Leah

Rivkeh’s sister who lives in Boston.

Rav Mendel Dorochoff

The Rebbe’s gabbai, or chief of staff.

Avraham Cutler

Avraham Cutler is Yosef Cutler’s son and the head of the Paris yeshiva established by Aryeh. When Asher visits Paris, Avraham welcomes Asher into the yeshiva community, helps him set up his studio, and introduces him to a girl whom Asher later desires to marry.