Series: Tish

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The photographs for “Tish” (2018) were taken during Purim celebrations in the ultra-Orthodox Israeli communities of Bnei Brak and Mea She'arim. A “tish” is a gathering of Hasidim around their Rebbe, which may consist of speeches on Torah subjects, singing of melodies, with refreshments being served. Hasidim see it as a moment of great holiness. Especially during Purim customs include drinking wine or other alcoholic beverages. It is said that a person is obligated to drink and get intoxicated until he cannot tell the difference between 'Blessed be Mordechai' and 'Cursed be Haman'. The saying refers to the history of this particular Jewish holiday. Purim commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman. According to the Book of Esther, Haman, royal vizier to King Ahasuerus, planned to kill all the Jews in the First Persian Empire, but his plans were foiled by Mordecai and his cousin and adopted daughter Esther, who had risen to become Queen of Persia. The day of deliverance became a day of feasting and rejoicing.