Through The Veil

06Aug09

 The Orthodox Jewish world is one that has been seen as both fascinating and disturbing by many; a world apart, filled with ritual and mystery.

Misunderstandings and a lack of knowledge has led to a stereotyping of the Orthodox Jew as being little more than a religious figure easily recognised on the grounds of his or her appearance, but the reality is that their lives extend far beyond the walls of the synagogue. Therefore it is the people themselves and not the mask they wear that we must explore.

The following pictures give an insight into the lives of an Orthodox family. If we were to pass them in the street we might not look further than the clothes that they wear but if we peel away the veil that separates we will see that here is a family who live the same lives we do with all the joy and sorrow that life inevitably brings. This is one family in many.

 

Its that time of the year again. Having just returned from morning prayers there’s a whole house to prepare for Passover. The rest of the day will be a frantic struggle to get everything ready for when the sun goes down. 

The day is over and plans are being made to go out for the evening over coffee and cake. 

Avremel finds time and a quiet place to read on the eve of Passover.

Its Yitzi’s birthday soon, she will be seven but there’s still time to play before she grows up. After coming off the trampoline she gives the Rabbi Herschel a hug.

After she finishes school, Muscha wants to study advertising but within the community women are expected to marry so she knows her career prospects are small.

She tells me she wants to become a photographer when she grows up but for now she has to help her mother tidy the house. 

“May God be gracious to us and bless us, may he make his countenance to shine upon us forever”

Birkat Hachamah (Blessing for the Sun).

Birkat Hachamah (Blessing for the Sun) is only recited once every twenty-eight years. For Avremel and his friends this is their first time.

The Chabad Centre Synagogue is well attended tonight. Members have come to read from the Megillah (Book of Esther) at the start of Purim.

 

Avremel has just arrived at the synagogue for morning prayers. He’s a little late but no one seems to notice him as he binds the Tefillin to his head.

“God spoke to the moon: renew yourself, crown of glory for those who were born in the womb, who also are destined to be renewed and extol their Creator for God’s glorious sovereignty”

Birkat Ha’levanah (Blessing for the Moon)

Its Purim and a time to celebrate but not before reading from the Megillah (Book of Esther). This festival commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot to destroy them.

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Purim – the children

09May09

A young boy reads from the Megillah (Book of Esther) at the start of Purim. This festival commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot to annihilate them. Haman the royal vizier to King Ahasuerus planned to have all Jews put to death but Esther, the Queen and a Jew herself foiled his plans and saved the lives of her people.

Purim is a time to think of the lives of others. During the celebrations groups of youths walk from house to house collecting for charities. Gifts of food are also made. A group of boys who have dressed up for the night enjoy fizzy drinks and snacks provided by a local resident. Outside boisterous music is playing as passers by are invited into the house for food and singing.

Dressing up in costumes is an entertaining part of Purim which celebrates the Jewish peoples deliverance from the hands of Haman who attempted to destroy them. Children enjoy masquerading as popular Biblical characters including Queen Esther and King David. More modern costumes are also worn and throughout the festivities the streets are filled with children dressed as police, animals and cartoon characters. Here a young policeman gets ready to party after reading the Megillah (Book of Esther).

The young policeman buttons up his coat whilst chatting with King David.

Purim celebrates the survival of the Jewish people. Whilst reading the Megilla a young boy spins his ra’ashan or rattle at the mention of the name of Haman who attempted to destroy the Jews during their Persian captivity. This is done to blot out the name of evil.

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