The shuk (marketplace) on Agripas Street, in the northwest end of Jerusalem is captivating with its aromas, colors, sounds and expressions. Many are the faces streaming by – to shop or just to feel the pulse of the people. And it is a universal ground – where people buy, yell, bargain with and help one another. The unarguable fact is that the fruits and vegetables’ taste is rich and satisfying, and one leaves – full – in one way or another.

The Sigd – the special holiday of the Jews of Ethiopia, connects renewal of the covenant during the Return to Zion in ancient times and the longing of Ethiopian Jews for an end to their dispersion and to reach Jerusalem.

On the 29th of Cheshvan Ethiopian Jews gather together for a prayer gathering and celebration. According to an Etiopian woman who I met at the Promenade in Jerusalem, where thousands of Ethiopian Jews flocked to on this date, this a type of minor Yom Kippur – celebrated by Etiopians the world over. The beauty in color, passion, and variety was everpresent – and the contrast between the modern and ancient was striking. I look forward to next year’s celebrations here in Jerusalem.

Have a look at my albums on Facebook, my blog http://rebeccakowalsky.blogspot.com/, and of course feel free to visit www.imagesthroughtime.com

“…who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this moment.”   -  Shehecheyanu Blessing
A baby is G-d’s opinion that life should go on. – Carl Sandburg

Until this day I have not used this forum to post family photographs or personal events. That all changed on November 18, 2009.   I had the privilege to be with my daughter at the birth of her first child, our first grandson…. And I could not resist the desire to share our joy with all of you.

We offer thanks to You, L-rd our G-d, for having given as a heritage to our ancestors a precious, good and spacious land.

- Birkat Hamazon (Grace after Meals – paragraph 2)

To see the Birkon in its entirety and in high quality

http://www.ImagesThroughTime.com/birkon

The process of creating this work was the compilation of many hours by many people.  My goal was to present a religious functional piece, with the highest artistic standards; and one that all could use AND get pleasure from.  Photography, and my passion for it enabled me to build the bencher together with state of the art graphics, printing, and binding .  This birkon can be viewed in its entirety at the following

Color is my day-long obsession, joy, and torment.
- Claude Monet

I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way–things I had no words for.   Georgia O’Keefe

Imagination is the highest kind of kite one can fly
- Lauren Bacall

Every Chol Hamoed Sukkot the settlement of Pnei Kedem in Gush Etzion hosts it s annula kite festival.  people flock from all over, park their cars and buses shuttle them to the hilltop of Pnei Kedem where all the color is seen flying in the air.  Come next year and enjoy the festivities!

…a holy gathering to you…

- Leviticus 23:36

Birkat Kohanim Kotel

The festival of Sukkot is full of colors & variety -  in people, their cultural customs,  the environment, and the articles of the chag.  Any festival of pilgrimage is composed of elements both spiritual and material, as you can see in this brief photo-essay showing the ways in which people express their connectedness to our rich tradition and to each other.  It is miraculous to wrap oneself in the tapestry of this chag and to live in its complex beauty.

O Praise the Lord, all you nations: praise Him all you peoples.  For His love for us is great.
- Tehillim 117:1 – HALLEL

The traffic in Jerusalem is never too pleasant, but trying to maneuver around the narrow streets when the people of Israel need to prepare and make their pre-holiday purchases, is close to impossible. Yet, the absolute beauty of the city aglow with bustle and excitement is contagious.  Enjoy the intensity from within that manifests itself in the deep concentration.  Live the week of Sukkot with the happiness that we are commanded to experience.

…searching for moments that define the story of the day…
- denis reggie

In the past 10 years, since I have brought my love of working with people and creative photography together, I have had the privilege to photograph many events and to serve as photographer for a wide variety of projects.  In my years living in Israel, I have had the extra pleasure of working with many of you from overseas–people for whom the spiritual value of celebrating their milestones in Israel is paramount.  Customers have spoken about the importance of working with a photographer who understands their background, but who is connected in a personal way to this holy place.  Over the years, many have suggested that bringing the artistic, down-to-earth, family-focused approach that characterizes my work to events outside of Israel would help enhance their events.  The feedback from satisfied customers has been so positive,  we have grown  our business to to include overseas events as well.    Hiring Images Through Time for your event outside of Israel will give you the same caring, friendly service, and artistic products you know from our work in Israel.  Your final albums and prints will be delivered on a timely basis, and we offer an appealing fee schedule.

To those of you living outside of Israel – may we be blessed to be with you in Jerusalem, to those of us who live in or near Jerusalem, may we be blessed to be reunited with everyone in the fully rebuilt Jerusalem, in health and in peace.  May this Yom Kippur’s fast and prayers be effective and beneficial for all of the Nation of Israel and the world at large.