Don't look back in anger
One of the Jewish traditions is burning the "Chametz" before Passover - the Chametz is leaven, or food mixed with leaven, prohibited during Passover.
So ...
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One of the Jewish traditions is burning the "Chametz" before Passover - the Chametz is leaven, or food mixed with leaven, prohibited during Passover.
So at the ultra-Orthodox areas the people gather around large bonfire at the Passover eve and burn all the chametz that left in their home.
for the grownups it is very sacred and important ritual, but for the children it is pure fun - and they hang around these bonfires much after the ritual ends to play with the ashes.
Read less
So at the ultra-Orthodox areas the people gather around large bonfire at the Passover eve and burn all the chametz that left in their home.
for the grownups it is very sacred and important ritual, but for the children it is pure fun - and they hang around these bonfires much after the ritual ends to play with the ashes.
Read less
Oct, 2014Views
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christophercupp
December 08, 2014
great shot, this image has great contrast and good composition. i especially like how this is very much part of a larger story, more than just burning chametz.
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jenblack1979
December 12, 2014
what a great shot!!! I loved the composition and description you put in the details. Beautiful work :)
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at Beni-Brak, Israel - the photo was taken in a very special day. One of the Jewish traditions is burning the "Chametz" before Passover - the Chametz is leaven, or food mixed with leaven, prohibited during Passover. So at the ultra-Orthodox areas the people gather around large bonfire at the Passover eve and burn all the chametz that left in their home. for the grownups it is very sacred and important ritual, but for the children it is pure fun - and they hang around these bonfires much after the ritual ends to play with the ashes.Time
I start to walk around the area of the burning "Chametz" at the morning. But actually only just few moments before I left at midday I've taken this photo. Just before I left I saw this boy with his friends hang around the bonfire - and I asked if I can take his picture. He agreed, and at the moment he looked at me - I've taken the shot.Lighting
The light was very harsh at that time of the day. But due to the thick smock that rises from the fire - there are moment that the light on the people around the fire is pretty soft and defused. Such light is perfect for dramatic photos, and I was glad to catch such moment.Equipment
This photo was shot with Canon 5D mk.II and Canon 24-105 f/4 IS lens. no other equipment was used.Inspiration
The festive atmosphere and the kids behavior around the bonfire can inspire anyone. It is one of the best time in the year for walk around with camera and get great pictures of the happening around.Editing
I used LightRoom 4 for the post-processing. I converted the photo to black and white to get dramatic feel, and played a bit with the contrast and clarity to get more "crisp" photo. For the finishing I added a bit vignetting to the photo - it helps to focus the viewer on the more important areas in the photo. that's all.In my camera bag
Usually I travel light - camera, 2-3 lenses (24-105 f/4 IS, 16-35 f/2.8, and 85mm f/1.8) lens pen, spare battery and memory card.Feedback
Passover eve is the best time to walk in the ultra-orthodox neighborhoods. All the people are in the streets, gather around the bonfires and practice the rituals. I prefer to get close to them and use wide lens. As Robert Capa said "If your photographs aren't good enough, you're not close enough." I can't agree more :)
