Praying from the heart
Yom Kippur 2020. The most unusual of days in the most unusual of years. When social distancing is enforced by the law and we close ourselves behind walls to safeguard our health. When masks cover our mouth to keep us and others safe. Given the intolerance towards anyone who dares to think differently - I wonder if we should not wear masks that will make us think and empathize for a minute before we talk.
Yom Kippur 2020, I walk around the neighborhood with the iphone. I want to take the ‘real camera’ but am aware this will look too intrusive. Even the iphone, despite the lack of sound and light when photographing is noticed. A man wrapped in Tallit ( Jewish prayer shawl ) asks me “why do you photograph people praying?”. “Because it is truly beautiful” I answer. He can not see my face as I am wearing a mask, but my tone and the look in my eyes probably convince him, he places his hand on his heart , smiles and says ‘Please forgive me”. It is only then I realize he suspected I take pictures in order to show how the praying people break the social distancing laws. Nothing is further from my mind. I photograph because for the first time in my life I can see the miracle of Yom Kippur. Since it is not advised to congregate and pray indoors, people step outside the synagogue walls and prayers are for all to share, regardless of beliefs. Kids on bicycles and old man praying in one frame. I can’t avoid thinking that praying with the mask on adds a special intent to the prayer. People care about each other. Protect each other. For one day, the polarization, recrimination, hate, fake news and gossip move to the backstage side allowing for a moment of harmony. To me, this is a true miracle.
Praying
Yom Kippur 2020
