Observant Jewish men, from the age of 13 onward will pray every morning. In doing so, they put on what are called Tefillin (don't look it up - the Dictionary defines them as Phyllacteries - which I'm sure is very helpful ) and a a Tallit (Prayer shawl) on on all four corners of which are wound Tzitzit - or special fringes - one cord ow which is a specific blue color thread. The Tefillin are made of leather. There is one with a little box that goes around the head - postitoning the box at the center of the foehead with two leather cords hanging down in front. Another one is looped around the left arm and then the long leather cord is wound around that arm seven times, finishing in a winding that spells out the Hebrew word "Shaddai" which is one of the names of God. You can see the box on the arm in this photo. Inside the boxes are specially written parchments that contain very specific prayers. I could write pages and pages on all the inherent symbolism but there isn't room for that here. I intended to take a portrait photo of an old Rabbi I know but logistically it didn't work out so I had to do this shot instead.
Great lesson and an outstanding photo, Endre. The lines and monochromatic colors are very effective, and the symbolism is fascinating. Best of luck.--Frank
Wonderful shot with your usual exquisite lighting. Thanks for explaining at least a bit of the symbolism. A very interesting explanation, but the picture makes it all come alive. Thanks so much for sharing this. Good luck this week.
Hello Endre,
I find this very interesting, especially since I just finished reading the Source, by Michener. Thanks for the brief lesson. Your lighting is super, the detail wonderful.
-Nick
wonderful lighting, and just love the contrasting lines and colors. Feel a little mixed about the composition---it really focuses on the prayer and gear, but I feel disconnected from the person depicted.
I echo what everyone said. The lighting, the composition, the unusual headless portrait, the lot. Simply a great shot. Also, as a member of the Jewish religion, this picture has added symbolism for me. I remember when I was 13, oh so long ago……
Just one thing bothers me, the cropping of the book. Unlike the head (which is completely missing and thus it's not disturbing) the slight crop of the edge of the corner of the book leaves a bit of an uncomfortable feel of something which is incomplete. I think a step back (prime) or a slightly wider angle (zoom) would be more appropriate here.
FJR1 wrote:
Great lesson and an outstanding photo, Endre. The lines and monochromatic colors are very effective, and the symbolism is fascinating. Best of luck.--Frank
Great shot.. great lighting.
Love the subject, but would love to have a face to go with it. But that is just me... I love people shots, and the face communicates so much. But this is great, too!
~ Carrol
Thanks, Steve! So glad you like it! If you are interested in learning more, there are good Wikipedia articles about all the things I mentioned.
All best wishes,
Endre
Steve Spencer wrote:
Hi Endre,
Wonderful shot with your usual exquisite lighting. Thanks for explaining at least a bit of the symbolism. A very interesting explanation, but the picture makes it all come alive. Thanks so much for sharing this. Good luck this week.
Thanks, Jim, my friend! I'm always happy when you like my shots. I wish I had time to write a big dissertation about all that but, sadly, I hardly have time to even write my responses to everyone's kind comments!
Fond regards,
Endre
1_of_9 wrote:
Wonderful shot Endre! Wish I knew more about the traditions and symbolism, yet I'm glad you fill my gaps of knowledge with entries like this one.
Thanks so much, Nick, my friend! As always, I'm delighted that you like my photos!
Fond regards,
Ende
nlamendo wrote:
Hello Endre,
I find this very interesting, especially since I just finished reading the Source, by Michener. Thanks for the brief lesson. Your lighting is super, the detail wonderful.
-Nick
) and a a Tallit (Prayer shawl) on on all four corners of which are wound Tzitzit - or special fringes - one cord ow which is a specific blue color thread. The Tefillin are made of leather. There is one with a little box that goes around the head - postitoning the box at the center of the foehead with two leather cords hanging down in front. Another one is looped around the left arm and then the long leather cord is wound around that arm seven times, finishing in a winding that spells out the Hebrew word "Shaddai" which is one of the names of God. You can see the box on the arm in this photo. Inside the boxes are specially written parchments that contain very specific prayers. I could write pages and pages on all the inherent symbolism but there isn't room for that here. I intended to take a portrait photo of an old Rabbi I know but logistically it didn't work out so I had to do this shot instead. 