SmugMug > keywords > judaism > A 150 year-old vintage torah scroll tied with a faded purple ribbon to keep it from unrolling.
SmugMug > keywords > judaism > A part of the Hebrew text fomr a portion of a Torah scroll. This scroll is estimated to be 150 years old and is wrinkled and spotted with age. This view has very tight selective focus on just one line on the page with the foreground and background moving quickly to be out of focus.
SmugMug > keywords > judaism > A part of the Hebrew text from a portion of a Torah scroll. This scroll is estimated to be 150 years old and is wrinkled and spotted with age.
SmugMug > keywords > judaism > An old Torah scroll being read at a bar mitzvah with a traditional yad which is required. This ornate pointer has a finger at the end that points to the word that is currently being read.
SmugMug > keywords > judaism > Reading a Torah scroll during a bar mitzvah ceremony with a traditional yad pointing towards the text on the parchment.
SmugMug > keywords > judaism > Hebrew text on one panel of a antique Torah scroll that is 150 years old. The traditional stitching holding the parchment panels together is visible.
SmugMug > keywords > judaism > 16-Nov-2009, Jerusalem - Ethiopian Jews celebrate the Sigd holiday. 

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.
SmugMug > keywords > judaism > 16-Nov-2009, Jerusalem - Ethiopian Jews celebrate the Sigd holiday. 

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.
SmugMug > keywords > judaism > 16-Nov-2009, Jerusalem - Ethiopian Jews celebrate the Sigd holiday. 

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.
A 150 year-old vintage torah scroll tied with a faded purple ribbon to keep it from unrolling.
 > A 150 year-old vintage torah scroll tied with a faded purple ribbon to keep it from unrolling.
A 150 year-old vintage torah scroll tied with a faded purple ribbon to keep it from unrolling.
Photo by: searagen • see photo in gallery

Comments

|

New comment:

Name: Email: Link:


To foil spammers, enter this code: copy this text in this box: Code unreadable?

Add Comment Cancel