Since the passing of Rav Nachman, in Uman (Ukraine, 1812), the Chassidim (Rav Nachman’s followers) visit his tomb during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. As part of Rav Nachman’s legacy, the idea endures that the Holy Days, and Judaism as a whole, should be celebrated and lived with joy. Regarding that premise, Music (Shirah) plays a central role in the festivities of Rosh Hashanah, as shown in the pictures that make up this essay.
I photographed these moments during the making of “Shirah: Music of the Soul” (short film, 2020), in which I sought to depict how musicality permeates the New Year in Uman. Filming from the perspective of an insider, I wanted to observe the ways through which Music connects the material and the spiritual worlds.
You can also check out the trailer for my documentary "Shirah: Music of the Soul" presented at the In Edit film festival (2021):
