Special performance: 'My Name is Asher Lev'

A special performance of “My Name is Asher Lev,” Aaron Posner’s adaptation of Chaim Potok’s beloved novel, will be performed Sunday, November 20, 3 p.m. at Loosemore Auditorium, DeVos Center, 401 W. Fulton, GVSU Pew Grand Rapids Campus. This performance is in conjunction with the 2012 Year of Interfaith Understanding, designed to cultivate peace through community interest and understanding of all faith traditions.

This show follows a run of performances at Spectrum’s Black Box Theatre and will be followed by an interfaith panel discussion. Tickets, $18 general admission, $15 seniors and $5 students, are available online at www.jtgr.org, or by call the Spectrum Box Office at (616) 234-3946.

The play presents Asher Lev, a young Hasidic Jew in New York with an astonishing talent for art and a deep connection to his religious faith and family. His two conflicting loyalties come to a head in this poignant coming of age story when young Asher is forced to make a difficult decision between family and vocation, and between his love for God and his desperate need to make art.

The 2012 Year of Interfaith Understanding is a unique partnership led by Grand Valley’s Kaufman Interfaith Institute, the Grand Rapids Press, WGVU public radio and television stations, the Grand Rapids mayor’s office and three organizing councils. Hundreds of events will be sponsored by participating congregations, campuses and community organizations. For more information about participants and upcoming events, visit http://www.2012gr.org, or call (616) 331-5702.