Many immigrants who come to America for a better life attempt to assimilate into culture, but often find that the culture from which they have come from is barring this assimilation. This was especially true regarding the assimilation of the European Jews. Orthodox Judaism is a religion that, when adhered to, dictates most of a person’s daily routine. It is difficult to fully immerse oneself in American culture while keeping the Kosher dietary laws, observing the Sabbath, and praying in Synagogue three times a day. Many European Jews attempted to “walk the tightrope,” and be a part of both societies, but found it difficult and many chose to be more of an American than a Jew.
This is the case with David Levinsky. In “The Rise of David Levinsky,” Abraham Cahan details the journey of a poor Russian Jewish immigrant in America. David Levinsky is the prime example of a devout Russian Jew who came to America and made it his goal to fully acclimate into American culture. Having had doubts about his Jewish ways while in Russia, David quickly embraces American culture. One of the first things David did while in America was to shed his Russian garb for American style clothing. Closely following, Levinsky shaved his beard and sideburns thereby violating Jewish law, for a more America look.
David becomes a successful American businessman and makes a fortune. He accomplishes his goal of immersing himself in the culture, but never feels as if he has fully become an American. It is an interesting phenomenon that Cahan details well in his novel. David is the archetype of many immigrants who came at the beginning of the twentieth century. Many, like David, shed their religious and ethnic identity for the chance to become true Americans but end up feeling like they never quite made it. In the end, David, like many immigrants, is left without his Jewish roots, and no firm hold on American culture.
