Here We Go!
First encounters…do I look weird??
Here we go! Off to a start of my art project for Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership as described in an earlier blog post (click here for description). My first destination: Devon Avenue near Tel Aviv Bakery on Sunday AM before the start of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year (5776).I felt this would be a fertile spot to catch some of the preparations for the holiday. Devon is perhaps the most mixed, eclectic cultural and religious neighborhoods anywhere! And much has been written about how all these cultures seem to exist with few problems. So, I decided to go to one of the areas where the observant Jewish people live and see what I could find.
Turned out to be a decent idea. That is, there were tons of people on the street, going in and out of the groceries and bakeries, getting in last minute shopping before this important Jewish Holiday.
My usual challenge in these environments outside of my neighborhood is to figure out how to fit in, be accepted, remain respectful, and get the confidence of at least a few people who I can photograph. I started out by going into the bakery itself, but it was teeming with people…not exactly a photo friendly environment and, in my opinion, kind of private. But one of the guys in line encouraged me to go to the front and “meet Esther,” the owner since she’d probably be willing to have me take photos. I felt otherwise….at least not at this point. Maybe on a subsequent visit?
So, I went outside and found a friendly and curious family who seemed interested in what I was doing. They gladly stood in front of the bakery and posed for a group shot. Such joy in their faces. Genuine and heart warming.
I stood there a while longer, waiting for someone else to go by and instead found another willing family group….this man and his son. They were walking out of the bakery and also appeared quite joyful and happy. I love the idea of father and son going out on the morning of the holiday to do the bakery shopping for the family and maybe some friends and relatives. Nice.
Similar to the other shot, so I moved down Devon a little bit to the east.
I found this young man as he walked up to the grocery store and positioned himself along the wall by the entrance with his can for collecting tzedakah grasped tightly in his hand. What a great expression on his face…and I imagined his sense of pride standing there and doing a good deed for his community. I asked him what he was collecting for and he told me his school, so I asked him to show me the can (see the above photo). I asked him if he’d mind if I took some photos of him collecting money. I stood there for about 5 minutes, “ready” to take a photo of anyone who would walk by and have an encounter with him. Unfortunately, as photographers (and fishermen) know, sometimes waiting is a big part of the process! And sometimes, the fish doesn’t come by.
So, I started walking away. Keep in mind, this was 11:15AM on a Sunday AM on Devon! All of a sudden, a woman comes to me from across the street and demands, “What are you doing?” I smiled and told her I was photographing the community, trying to capture the spirit of the holiday preparation for a project. “It looks weird,” she said, “taking pictures of a little boy.” I explained that I had photos of adults, buildings, and other scenes that were trying to depict the activity on the street. I assured here that my project was not only innocent, but also very positive for the community. “That’s what they all say!” she said. (Though I’m still trying to figure out how she knows what “they” say and exactly who “they” are.) I simply raised my hand, palm out, and quietly told her she made her point and I kept walking. Then she scurried over to the boy and expressed her scorn and warnings to him about allowing me to take his photo.
Way to go, lady.
I went back and dropped some money in the boy’s tzedakah can. She didn’t.
And, Here We Go! I’m sure it’s simply the first of many encounters I’ll have doing this project. It’s worth it!
-Stephen M. Levin
“Life Scapes”
www.stephenmlevinphotos.com
The first two pics look like they were taken circa 1962
I can see that.
In some ways, things haven’t changed, I guess.
The first of what will undoubtedly be an interesting year of encounters!
Yes…part of the “adventure” of the project, I’m sure.
Grew up in West Rodgers Park. Jewish but not as orthodox as it is now. Great neighborhood and fond memories. Hope you find your future visits a little more inviting!
Yes, very clear that a lot of the old places are gone or replaced. It’s got a new and different character now. Much more eclectic.
Future visits to any location are generally more inviting as people get more comfortable and used to seeing me. And vice versa. At least that’s the theory!
These pictures are timeless and so was that interfering bitch. You handled her well.
She meant well…hahaha!
Thanks, Dave. I felt as though they have somewhat of a timeless quality, too.
The photos tell their story, and the photographer writes his story. Both good! Thanks, Steve.
Thanks, Mike!
(I like taking pictures and writing about them.)
looks like you are off to a fast start. Can’t wait to see more.
Me, too!
No kidding.
I wonder what happened to that lady to make her so reticent..
Who knows?!
All kinds out there….
Love this project. It’s the black and white that takes us back in time. Looking forward to following you through this.
Thanks, Lesley!
Yes, the b&w does sometimes take us back in time. Or, avoid the context of time.
I hope you enjoy what I have in mind for the project. I’m planning to post updates and progress on the blog from time to time over the next several months.