Now that Asher's parents have left him with his uncle and have flown off to Europe to continue the Rebbe's, Asher is looking for a new parental figure in his life. Although his mother and father never actually sufficiently fulfilled the role as parents, nonetheless, Asher still craves someone to give him guidance as he begins his ride through adolescence.
Despite the fact that Asher is now living with his uncle, it still does not seem logical that he will become that parental figure since Asher has expressed in the past his dislike for Yitchcock. Thus, the only other logical candidate for this position is Jacob Kahn, the "old man" that has been teaching Asher how to become a great artist. And Jacob Kahn has become, in many ways, a second father to Asher as he has taken Asher into his studio every Sunday, and has spent an immense amount of time with him (perhaps more than Asher's real father). Jacob has also done many fatherly things with Asher (although some of them are merely a part of his job) such as teaching him not only about art, but more recently, about life as well. And as he begins to spend more time with Asher, he is beginning to have a greater influence on him. For instance, on page 204, Jacob explains to Asher that "he is entering a religion called painting." This statement will present much conflict to Asher because he is expected to actively practice the Hasidic faith and yet now Jacob is telling him that he must devote all of his time to his art as if it was a religion. This will undoubtedly cause great internal conflict in Asher and it may also translate into conflict between he and his father (who thinks art is mere foolishness) and perhaps between he and his entire community as well.
Thus, with the active role Jacob Kahn has taken in Asher's life, although it will enhance Asher's chances to become a great artist, it may also signify the beginning of Asher's separation from his faith.