Women Sing “No!” to Discrimination

Infuriated activists protest with song in front of Rehavia neighborhood restaurant, Heimishe Esin, threatened by ultra-Orthodox Agudath Israel to invalidate its Kashrut certificate unless it stops employing female waitresses on Thursday evenings. Jerusalem, Israel. 15-Mar-2012.

Deaf and Hearing Impaired Hear the Book of Esther – Jerusalem

Mayor Nir Barkat addresses the audience in a special Purim reading of the Book of Esther for the deaf and hearing-impaired at Bet Zusman using special amplifiers, visual projection and simultaneous sign language translation. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

 

Purim celebrators are viewed through the eyes of a mask as they assemble at Bet-Zusman for a special Purim reading of the Book of Esther for the deaf and hearing-impaired with special amplifiers, visual projection sign language translation. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

Mayor Nir Barkat takes part in a special Purim reading of the Book of Esther for the deaf and hearing-impaired at Bet Zusman, as special amplifiers are used, visual projection on screen and simultaneous sign language translation. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

Mayor Nir Barkat shakes the hand of a boy in a race car driver costume in a special Purim reading of the Book of Esther for the deaf and hearing-impaired at Bet Zusman using special amplifiers, visual projection and simultaneous sign language translation. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

Purim Celebrations in Jerusalem

Purim, which commemorates the events described in the Book of Esther, mainly the foiling of the plot by anti-Semitic Haman, Grand Vizier of the Persian Empire, to massacre the Jews, is celebrated in carnivals and costumes.

A figure of Haman hangs ‘to death’ from an eighth story balcony, symbolizing Haman’s destiny as described in the Book of Esther, following his foiled attempt to massacre the Jews of Persia, as Purim is celebrated in the city. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

Excerpt from Government Press Office press release, 5-Mar-2012:

Purim commemorates the events described in the Book of Esther. In Esther 3:8, the anti-Semitic Haman, Grand Vizier of the Persian Empire, tells Persian King Ahasuerus that, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among all the peoples… in your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every people, neither do they keep the king’s laws. Therefore, it does the king no profit to suffer them. If it please the king, let it be written that they be destroyed…” Thus, Haman coined one of the most infamous anti-Semitic canards: That the Jews are a clannish and alien people who do not obey the laws of the land. At Haman’s contrivance, a decree is then issued for all Jews in the Persian Empire to be massacred. But, as the Book of Esther subsequently relates, Haman’s plot was foiled and, “The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honor…a feast and a good day.” (8:16-17)

Purim, which commemorates the events described in the Book of Esther, mainly the foiling of the plot by anti-Semitic Haman, Grand Vizier of the Persian Empire, to massacre the Jews, is celebrated in carnivals and costumes. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

Throughout the centuries, Purim – which celebrates the miraculous salvation of the Jews and the thwarting of Haman’s genocidal plot – has traditionally symbolized the victory of the Jewish people over anti-Semitic tyranny. As such, Purim is a happy, carnival-like holiday.

After sunset Wednesday evening, 7 March, festive prayers will take place in synagogues, where the Book of Esther will also be read aloud. It is customary for people, especially children, to come to synagogue dressed in costume. During the reading of the Book of Esther, whenever Haman’s name is mentioned, congregants traditionally make as much noise as possible in order to drown out his name – a reflection of God’s promise (Exodus 17:14) to, “blot out,” the Amalekite nation, of which Haman was a descendant; special Purim noisemakers may be used for this purpose. The Book of Esther will be read again during morning prayers on Thursday, 8 March. A special Purim prayer is inserted into the daily prayers and the blessing after meals.

A boy wears a Smurf costume on Purim, celebrated as a happy, carnival-like holiday, commemorating the events described in the Book of Esther and the foiled plot of Haman, Grand Vizier of the Persian Empire, to massacre the Jews. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

On Purim, Jews are enjoined by the Book of Esther (9:22) to send gifts of food to each other, make special contributions to the poor, and have a festive holiday meal in the afternoon. To this end, the day is also marked by collections for various charities, and by people visiting neighbors and friends to deliver baskets of food, prominent among which are small, three-cornered, fruit-filled pastries known as Oznei Haman in Hebrew (Haman’s ears) or Hamantaschen in Yiddish (Haman’s pockets).

A young boy wears an IDF paratroopers costume on Purim, celebrated as a happy, carnival-like holiday, commemorating the events described in the Book of Esther and the foiled plot of Haman, Grand Vizier of the Persian Empire, to massacre the Jews. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

In Jerusalem, Purim is ordinarily celebrated one day later than it is in the rest of the world; accordingly, all Purim-related observances are postponed by one day. This practice originates from the fact that an extra day was prescribed for the Jews of Shushan (the modern Susa, one of the Persian Empire’s four capitals) to defend themselves against their enemies. This second day is known as Shushan Purim. As mentioned in the Book of Esther itself (9:16-19), Jews living in walled cities (later defined by rabbinical authorities to mean walled cities at the time that Joshua entered the Land of Israel) celebrate Purim one day later than Jews living in unwalled cities. There are several such cities in Israel where Shushan Purim is celebrated. In some cities whose status is in doubt, the Book of Esther will actually be read on both days.

Two IDF soldiers look up to a clown on stilts on Purim, celebrated as a happy, carnival-like holiday, commemorating the events described in the Book of Esther and the foiled plot of Haman, Grand Vizier of the Persian Empire, to massacre the Jews. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

Religious Extremists Target The Holy Cross – Jerusalem

One of two cars belonging to members of the Valley of the Cross Monastery that were vandalized overnight. Car tires were slashed and they were littered with graffiti reading “Price Tag”. Jerusalem, Israel. 7th February 2012.

 

In what seems to be an intensifying wave of ultra-religious intolerance sweeping the country two cars belonging to members of the Valley of the Cross Monastery were vandalized overnight. Tires were slashed and cars were littered with graffiti reading “Jesus die”, “Greeks out”, “The Maccabees of Migron” (referring to the right-wing unauthorized Israeli outpost in the northern West Bank), “Price Tag” and the Jewish Star of David.

The Monastery of the Cross is believed to have been built in the 5th century by Queen St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great. Administered by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem the monastery was traditionally erected on the burial spot of Adam’s head from which grew the tree that gave its wood to the cross on which Christ was crucified.

 

Haredim Attempt to Ignite Jerusalem

Police break up rioting by hundreds of Haredim in the neighborhood of Mea Shearim near Kikar Hashabbat following the arrest of six community members this morning for alleged tax offenses worth millions. Jerusalem, Israel. 15th January 2012.

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Haredim riot and set dumpsters ablaze in the neighborhood of Mea Shearim protesting arrest of six community members this morning for alleged tax offenses worth millions. Jerusalem, Israel. 15th January 2012.

Police break up rioting by hundreds of Haredim in the neighborhood of Mea Shearim near Kikar Hashabbat following the arrest of six community members this morning for alleged tax offenses worth millions. Jerusalem, Israel. 15th January 2012.

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Haredim riot in the neighborhood of Mea Shearim near Kikar Hashabbat protesting arrest of six community members this morning for alleged tax offenses worth millions. Jerusalem, Israel. 15th January 2012.

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Haredim riot in the neighborhood of Mea Shearim near Kikar Hashabbat protesting arrest of six community members this morning for alleged tax offenses worth millions. Jerusalem, Israel. 15th January 2012.

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Haredim riot in the neighborhood of Mea Shearim near Kikar Hashabbat protesting arrest of six community members this morning for alleged tax offenses worth millions. Jerusalem, Israel. 15th January 2012.

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Haredim riot in the neighborhood of Mea Shearim nearHundreds of ultra-Orthodox Haredim riot in the neighborhood of Mea Shearim near Kikar Hashabbat protesting arrest of six community members this morning for alleged tax offenses worth millions. Jerusalem, Israel. 15th January 2012.

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Haredim riot in the neighborhood of Mea Shearim near Kikar Hashabbat protesting arrest of six community members this morning for alleged tax offenses worth millions. Jerusalem, Israel. 15th January 2012.

Celebrating the Eighth Night of Chanukah – Jerusalem

A young lady lights a chanukkiah, an eight-branched menorah, on the eighth and last night of the holiday of Chanukah. Jerusalem, Israel. 27th December 2011.

A young lady lights a chanukkiah, an eight-branched menorah, on the eighth and last night of the holiday of Chanukah. Jerusalem, Israel. 27th December 2011.

Ethiopian Jews Celebrate The Sigd – Jerusalem

The Ethiopian Jewish community, called Beta-Israel, lived in seclusion for over 1,000 years, only reconnecting to the Jewish world in the late 20th century. According to Ethiopian tradition, their roots go back 3,000 years to the era of King Solomon. Like their brethren in many parts of the world, Ethiopian Jews suffered persecution for their beliefs and refusal to adopt Christianity. In the Middle Ages their lands were confiscated, villages plundered and many murdered. They were nicknamed Falash – intruders, homeless and without property. Despite the hardships, this community preserved their traditions with great devotion and generations were educated on the value of yearning for a return to Jerusalem, The Holy City, home of The Temple, pure and holy. The Sigd celebrations, Sigd meaning “to bow or prostate oneself”, convey their love and yearning for Jerusalem.

Traditionally the celebrations took place on a hilltop looking toward Jerusalem,signifying a renewal of the bond with God. Now, with a community of over 150,000 in Israel the main event takes place annually at the Sherover Promenade in Jerusalem, overlooking The Temple Mount.Thousands followed the Kessim, the religious leaders, and gathered in the late morning hours in colorful traditional garments or in whites signifying purity, to pray and give thanks. Guests of honor included Minister of Immigrant Absorption, Ms. Sofa Landver and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.

The yearning for Jerusalem has become a reality. Israeli-born offspring to Ethiopian Jews are finding it more and more difficult to identify with the aspirations of their forefathers. First signs are evident that this ancient ethnic celebration of hope and faith might one day be forgotten.

All Night Dance Party at Bar Yochai’s Grave

Three year old boys are given their first haircut - Halaka - at the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Meron, Israel. 22/05/2011.

Click the pic for full story!

Purim at The Kotel

Thousands celebrate Purim at the Western Wall. Jerusalem, Israel. 21/03/2011.

For more ‘click the pic’.

 

Int’l Women’s Day

Women Of The Wall Welcome Month of Shevat

 

And one used in The Telegraph:

Even if it doesn’t help, it won’t hurt!

Hundreds gathered this afternoon, on the 22nd day of the Jewish month of Kislev in the year 5771, at the Wailing Wall for a mass prayer for rain, following a day of fast called upon by Chief Rabbis of Israel.

Services at the Kotel were lead by Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar, HaRishon LeTzion, Chief Rabbi of Sephardi Jews and President of The Great Rabbinical Court and silver horns were sounded. Yesterday, Rabbi Amar sent a plea to the worldwide Jewish community to join the fast and prayer, writing “We must gather and shout out to the Creator of the universe to have mercy and compassion on his people Israel, and His mercies are abundant.”

According to statistical data provided by the Israel Meteorological Service to date there has only been 5mm of rainfall on a nationwide average, which is only about 7% of the rainfall last year at this time and only 1% of the multi-year seasonal average.

In spite of the prayers forecasters are predicting at least another ten dry days.

Yom Kippur, 5771

Just ahead of Yom Kippur religious Jews undergo flogging preserving ancient customs. Jerusalem, Israel. 17/09/2010

Just a few hours ahead of Yom Kippur religious Jews perform Kapparot. Jerusalem, Israel. 17/09/2010.

A young man watching a traditional butcher sacrificing hens in the Jewish tradition of Kapparot. Jerusalem, Israel. 17/09/2010.

A young girl in awe watching a traditional butcher sacrificing hens in the Jewish tradition of Kapparot. Jerusalem, Israel. 17/09/2010.

Yes, Size Does Matter!

Lag BaOmer, celebrated in Judaism on the 33rd day after Passover, is signified by the lighting of bonfires. 01/05/2010. Jerusalem, Israel.

Yes, size does matter in regard to Lag BaOmer bonfires. In the religious neighborhood of Bait VaGan in Jerusalem participants claim their bonfire is the biggest in Jerusalem. Rising some six or seven meters in height, neighborhood children began collecting wood weeks ago and construction with assistance of the elders took a few days.

The origins of Lag BaOmer are disputed. Traditionally it was on this day in the 1st Century AD that a plague came to end, but not before wiping out 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva. Another interpretation is that the students were killed as part of the Roman attempt to wipe out Judaism after the Bar Kohba revolt (132-136 AD).

Jewish Male Circumcision

Male circumcision is the removal of the foreskin from the penis. It is widely practised in Judaism, Islam and in some Christian churches in Africa. It is estimated that 30% of males are circumcised globally, usually during adolescence or during infancy.

The practice was adopted in Western civilization around the beginning of the 20th century as a form of preventive medicine against syphilis, phimosis, paraphimosis and balanitis. Reports estimate the prevalence of circumcision among US born males was 91% for males born in the 1970s but the numbers have since been going down. In 1949, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service removed infant circumcision from its list of covered services and the proportion of newborns circumcised in England and Wales has fallen to less than one percent.

In Judaism a Mohel conducts the traditional circumcision ceremony called Brit Milah – “covenant of circumcision”. It is performed on the eighth day after birth. According to the Torah (Genesis, chapter 17 verses 9-14), God commanded Abraham to circumcise himself, his offspring and his slaves as part of an everlasting covenant. Also practised, although more controversial, is metzitzah b’peh, or oral suction, where the mohel sucks blood from the infant’s wounded penis immediately after the circumcision. The traditional reason for this procedure is believed to be promotion of healing. Research has recently suggested that oral suction has been the cause for several cases of herpes infection to infants, in some cases causing brain damage and even death. Some rabbinical authorities have ruled that a glass tube must be used between the mohel’s mouth and the wound to prevent any type of infection of the infant.

Yearning for Jerusalem No More

The Ethiopian Jewish community, called Beta-Israel, lived in seclusion for over 1,000 years, only reconnecting to the Jewish world in the late 20th century. According to Ethiopian tradition, their roots go back 3,000 years to the era of King Solomon. Like their brethren in many parts of the world, Ethiopian Jews suffered persecution for their beliefs and refusal to adopt Christianity. In the Middle Ages their lands were confiscated, villages plundered and many murdered. They were nicknamed Falash – intruders, homeless and without property. Despite the hardships, this community preserved their traditions with great devotion and generations were educated on the value of yearning for a return to Jerusalem, The Holy City, home of The Temple, pure and holy. The Sigd celebrations, Sigd meaning “to bow or prostate oneself”, convey their love and yearning for Jerusalem.

Traditionally the celebrations took place on a hilltop looking toward Jerusalem,signifying a renewal of the bond with God. Now, with a community of over 150,000 in Israel the main event takes place annually at the Sherover Promenade in Jerusalem, overlooking The Temple Mount.Thousands followed the Kessim, the religious leaders, and gathered in the late morning hours in colorful traditional garments or in whites signifying purity, to pray and give thanks. Guests of honor included Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.

The yearning for Jerusalem has become a reality. Israeli-born offspring to Ethiopian Jews are finding it more and more difficult to identify with the aspirations of their forefathers. First signs are evident that this ancient ethnic celebration of hope and faith might one day be forgotten.

The 35mm f/2 was a pleasure to work with! Light and extremely mobile hanging on my neck – I could easily raise it quickly to get the shot I wanted without scaring off the subject. Some shots were even framed from the chest. I love the shallow depth of field! Most of the work was done at f2.5 ISO100 with very high shutter speeds.  Close and intimate!

nir

Tisha Be’Av – Mourning the Loss of The Temple

Tisha Be'Av, Jerusalem, July 2009

Tisha Be'Av, Jerusalem, July 2009

Tisha Be'Av, Jerusalem, July 2009

On the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av, Tisha Be’Av (Hebrew), Jews all over the world mourn the destruction of the two Holy Temples; the First Temple built by King Solomon was destroyed by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BCE and the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. Jews were dispersed and exiled all over the world for almost the next 2,000 years. Other tragic events are also tied to this date; God told the Children of Israel that the oldest generation would not enter the Land, the city of Betar was captured and thousands of Jews were killed in 135 CE, the Roman emperor built a pagan temple on the site of the Holy Temple and rebuilt Jerusalem as a pagan city in 136 CE, Jewish expulsion from Spain in 1492 began on Tisha Be’Av, World War I began and the beginning of the deportations from the Warsaw Ghetto to Treblinka death camp.

Tisha Be'Av, Jerusalem, July 2009

Tisha Be'Av, Jerusalem, July 2009

Tisha Be'Av, Jerusalem, July 2009

Tisha Be'Av, Jerusalem, July 2009

Tisha Be'Av, Jerusalem, July 2009

Tisha Be’Av is a day of fast, of prayer, of reflection, and of reading the Book of Lamentations. Thousands of Jews from all over Israel visit the last remnant of the Temple – The Western Wall (also called The Wailing Wall), exhibiting symbols of mourning; sitting on the ground or on low stools, not wearing leather shoes, not washing or bathing and refraining from any display of physical affection.

Tisha Be'Av, Jerusalem, July 2009

Tisha Be'Av, Jerusalem, July 2009

Tisha Be'Av, Jerusalem, July 2009

Tisha Be'Av, Jerusalem, July 2009

Tisha Be'Av, Jerusalem, July 2009

Sabbath Wars – Episode Three; The Counter Demonstration

27-June-2009, Jerusalem – Less than 24 hours and riots against the Shabbath opening of the Karta parking lot erupted once again, disrupting the serenity of Jerusalem on Saturday afternoon. Hundreds of ultra-orthodox Haredim clashed with police in the Mea She’arim neighborhood, at the corner of Hanevi’im and Shivtei Israel streets. Police prevented the rioters from making their way toward Municipal Safra Square, where hundreds of secular residents of the city held a colorful counter demonstration in support of freedom of choice in Jerusalem and against religious coercion.

Sabbath Wars – Episode Two

26-June-2009, Jerusalem – Just two weeks after a violent demonstration in the Safra Municipal Square in Jerusalem (6-June-2009), thousands of ultra-orthodox Jews have taken to the streets of Jerusalem once again. Bar-Ilan Street is depicted in mass public prayer on Friday afternoon, just as sunset declared the beginning of the Sabbath.

The issue of opening a parking lot on the Sabbath continues to be a source of conflict between secular Mayor Nir Barkat and the religious Haredi community in the city. During the past two weeks negotiations took place in an attempt to find a compromise that would satisfy all parties and provide a solution for Jerusalem’s extreme Sabbath parking problems. When the desired compromise was not achieved, Barkat announced the Karta parking lot would open this Saturday. Ultra-orthodox leader, Rabbi Itzchak Tuvia Weiss called on the Haredi community, using written pamphlets scattered in the streets, to assemble Friday afternoon in mass public prayers and to welcome the Sabbath in a show of force and opposition of municipal resolutions.

Episode III this Saturday afternoon …?

5769 years ago…

And God said: ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth.’ And it was so. And God made the two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night; and the stars. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.

8-April-2009, Jerusalem – Thousands gathered at the Wailing Wall before dawn awaiting sunrise to recite: “Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the Universe who makes the works of Creation.”

The Blessing of the Sun, Birkat Hachamah in Hebrew, is recited in Judaism once in twenty-eight years, signifying the sun’s location at exactly that of the moment of its creation on a Wednesday morning, the fourth day of creation. The 28-year cycle was calculated in the Babylonian Talmud and it was renewed today. Adding to the excitement is the fact that today is the Eve of the Jewish holiday of Passover celebrating the exodus of the ancient Hebrews, led by Moses, from bondage in Egypt – a sun cycle began on the exact morning of exodus from Egypt somewhere between the years 1200-1500 BCE (exact date is disputed).

Much anticipation was evident among the worshippers, men, women and children assembled hours before the big moment. Then, just as the sun became visible to the east, climbing over the Wailing Wall which is the last remaining remnant of the Holy Temple, it triggered great excitement, prayer, dance and song among the crowd.

The Blessing of the Sun