PARSHA & PROSE: VAYAKHEL & 'MY NAME IS ASHER LEV' (Audio)

The Torah portion Vayakhel focuses on the communal effort to build the Tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of individual contributions to a collective, sacred goal. Viewed through the lens of My Name is Asher Lev, this theme resonates with the protagonist’s struggle to reconcile his personal artistic vision with the expectations of his religious community. Just as the Israelites are called to contribute their unique skills to create a space for God’s presence, Asher’s art becomes his personal, albeit contentious, means of seeking divine understanding. However, like the voluntary sacrifices made in Vayakhel, Asher's commitment to his art comes at a personal cost—alienating him from his family and community. Both Vayakhel and Asher’s journey reflect the tension between individual expression and communal belonging, and the painful sacrifices that come with pursuing one’s calling in the face of collective expectations.