Discovering the Boundaries and Belonging of a Closed Religious Community.

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personal tisch and convey the intrigue of their world and its distinctiveness from my own."

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As an artist, I am always fascinated by communities that are isolated from the outside world. In "Boundaries," I capture my experience in a closed religious community known as the "ultra-Orthodox." This community lives in a ghetto and is closed off from the Western world, creating an air of strangeness and foreignness to outsiders. Despite being a religious Jew myself, I found their world intriguing and unique from my own.

I was lucky enough to be invited to photograph them at a personal tisch, where I experienced the event from a female perspective. I sat in the women's section and watched as the men danced and sang downstairs, feasting on challah and wine poured for the most distinguished of those gathered. The women, however, observed the celebration from upstairs, only able to watch through the glass. Despite being separated, I still felt the excitement of the women around me as they saw the size of the gathering.

What struck me the most was observing the intimate moments between families in public spaces. The fathers played with the children, the women chatted and served food, and I witnessed their personal prayers in the public garden, and loving embraces in view of the sea. The only noticeable difference between them and other families was their clothing; the men in white shirts with tzitzit sticking out and the women in long skirts and head coverings.

The creation of boundaries between the ultra-Orthodox community and the rest of the world is necessary for them to maintain their sense of identity and belonging. And for them, it's easier to create a sense of community and belonging by differentiating themselves from outsiders. My experience with this closed religious community was a unique insight into their world, and it taught me the importance of maintaining a strong identity and sense of belonging within a community.

till she dreams of joining in

Of feeling the music deep within

But she knows she'll never dance in the men's section

Where only the men have that kind of affection

A young girl sits in the women's section

Watching the men dance with such devotion

Their bodies move with grace and pride

While she sits and feels inside

She sees the joy in their eyes so bright

And feels a twinge of longing take flight

But she knows her place in the community's hold

And the importance of her role to uphold

So she'll dance in her heart and in her soul

Feeling the joy and love that makes her whole

For though she may not dance in the men's section

Her love for the music and tradition has its own connection.