Sholem Asch

Date of Birth: November 1, 1880

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: July 10, 1957

Biography

Sholem Asch was a Polish-born American novelist, dramatist, and essayist who wrote in Yiddish. Born on November 1, 1880, in Kutno, Poland, Asch was the youngest of ten children in a deeply religious Jewish family. He received a traditional Jewish education but later expanded his studies to secular subjects, including European literature. His literary career began in Warsaw, where he wrote both in Hebrew and Yiddish. Asch gained international fame with his novels, plays, and essays that often explored Jewish life and culture, as well as broader human themes. His works include “The Nazarene,” “The Apostle,” and “East River,” among many others. Throughout his career, Asch was a controversial figure, especially for his works that depicted Jesus and Christianity in a sympathetic light, sparking debates within the Jewish community. In 1914, Asch moved to the United States, where he continued to write and gained a significant following. He traveled extensively, living in various countries, including France and Israel. Asch was a prolific writer until his death, leaving a lasting impact on both Yiddish literature and world literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Sholem Asch

1. Sholem Asch’s novel “The Nazarene,” which presents a Jewish perspective on Jesus, was translated into multiple languages and became a bestseller.

2. Asch was awarded the prestigious Polish Gold Cross of Merit in 1936 for his contributions to literature.

3. He was an ardent advocate for Jewish-Christian understanding and often explored themes of interfaith dialogue in his works.

4. Asch’s play “God of Vengeance” was controversial for its portrayal of a lesbian relationship, leading to its cast being arrested on obscenity charges in 1923 when performed on Broadway.

5. Despite criticism from some Jewish quarters, Asch remained committed to his vision of a universal humanism that transcended religious and cultural boundaries.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sholem Asch

1. “Not the power to remember, but its very opposite, the power to forget, is a necessary condition for our existence.”

2. “Humanity is the desire for immortality.”

3. “The experiences which we have gained and which we can apply in other directions are never lost.”

4. “Every man is a God-clad in rags.”

5. “Life is full of miracles, but they’re not always the ones we pray for.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Sholem Asch’s highest net worth is not well-documented; however, his literary success and international acclaim suggest he enjoyed a comfortable life, particularly in his later years.

Children

Sholem Asch had three children with his wife, Mathilde Shapiro. Their names were Moses Asch, who founded Folkways Records; Nathan Asch, who also became a writer; and a daughter named Ruth Asch.