Toni Girl Loc: Maryland's Eastern Shore

These young men broke into a celebratory song about G-d. Adjacent to those who celebrate, is a small dividing wall on the right. Mourners pray far down below along the Western Wall. Happiness and sadness are joined in a moment of time.

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Tikva Loc: Waukesha, WI

Brings back memories of my trip to Israel. The trip of a lifetime.

Toni Girl Loc: Maryland's Eastern Shore

Tikva,
I hope you are enjoying those memories. Will continue to post additional photos.
-Toni

Michael Boggia

Thank you for sharing your trip to Israel. It is a treat to get this close to the West Wall. Still dreaming of going there some day. Until then, your beautiful and moving pictures take me to that holy location.

Toni Girl Loc: Maryland's Eastern Shore

Michael,
You are most welcome! I only wish I had invested long before now in better equipment or, at minimum, lenses that would have enabled more detailed photos from a distance. Then you could have TRULY understood the many holy details of Israel. It's an overwhelming place (in a very happy heart way) and I am happy to share any that I have. Thank you for your very kind words! (Another happy heart result).
Warmest regards,
Toni
P.S. I like your last name...is it Italian? I'm Italian which is why I ask...

oldpsych Loc: Indianapolis

That is a very cool picture. Good job!!

Toni Girl Loc: Maryland's Eastern Shore

Oldpsych,
That is a very cool compliment too...made me happy! Thank you kindly!
-Toni

Michael Boggia

I am Italian, on my dad's side. My mom spent her young adult life with Jewish families and she learned to cook kosher, and many wonderful dishes, as well as religion. She told me wonderful stories about these families and between them and religious upbringing, I feel close to the Holy Land and its people.

You have warmed my heart with your reply. The thought of standing at the Holy Wall, overwhelming. I think I'd cry. The young soldier in your picture, leaning against the wall, in tears is so moving. Can't help praying for him as his fellow soldiers, so close to harm's way. If only we could have peace.

Looking forward to seeing more of your photographs. They are fine quality. . . as is said, it's not the camera, it is the photographer who captures the essence, such as the soldier.

Toni Girl Loc: Maryland's Eastern Shore

Michael,
You have certainly warmed my heart! I understand your sense of being a part of the Jewish sect given your Mother's upbringing and the lessons she taught you! How fortunate I would feel to have had that experience she had! Neither of my parents were Jewish, however, my Dad used to tell me a story. While he was growing up, through the depression era, he had the privilege of getting to know the Rabbi of a local synagogue. I am certain this Rabbi recognized the terrible daily life faced by my father, his five brothers, and my grandparents, during the depression. My Dad was about 7 years old at this time. I do not believe he had a pair of shoes. They were hit hard. Every week, the Rabbi would pay my Dad a quarter to open all the windows of the synagogue and do other necessary chores that could not be done by them on their Sabbath. That quarter fed the entire family. Until my Dad passed away, he often spoke of that time in his young life and how fortunate he was to have been chosen by the Rabbi to do this job. ❤️

The Western Wall is all encompassing. One cannot help but cry, when realizing the pain and sorrow it represents, as well as the knowledge of the thousands upon thousands of people who have placed their slivers of paper with prayers tucked into the crevices. It is certainly a LIVING wall in my opinion.

Thank you for sharing your story.

I am looking through additional Israel photos presently to add to the forum. Please stay tuned. To be honest, I have been looking for "just the right ones" that might fit the approval of the many true photographers here. Perhaps I should not be so strict with myself, and simply share many more, especially at this time when I am happily just a beginner.

Warmest regards,
Toni

Michael Boggia

Toni,

Thank you for your kind reply. You are giving me a great insight to the Holy Land, from your photographs and observations. To stand at the sight of the temples, to touch the stones that were placed with reverence, thousands of years ago, echoing the footsteps of Solomon, the patriarchs, prophets, and Jesus, must send shivers through those believers who journey there, be it from a few miles away, or thousands of miles.

So blessed that my father and mother were wise enough not to make me take either of their religions, though Dad was Catholic and Mom, Protestant. Their only desire was that I know Jesus and God and honor them. They felt anyone who believed this was on the right path, no matter their faith.

Your granddad was a fortunate man to have met the rabbi who showed kindness, as Jewish people are urged to do.

Looking forward to your photographs. I'm timid about posting mine as I'm a beginner, not really, but I'm self-taught and don't feel my photos are worthy of the beautiful works and compositions I see here. Yours tell a story and speak to the person looking at them.

Happy photographing and please post more when you have time.

Michael.

Toni Girl Loc: Maryland's Eastern Shore

Michael,
Thank you so very much! I also grew up with my Dad being Italian, and Catholic and my Mom, Protestant. They approached it exactly as your parents did! I am grateful for that too.

Thank you for such kind words on my photographs. I am certain yours would speak to others as well!

Send me your favorite sometime in a private message. I guarantee it will be forum worthy. The folks here who are the true photographers are interested in helping. I don't believe they would ever criticize a beginner or self-taught person.

I will be posting more pictures of Israel soon. I must tell you that you definitely encouraged me and thank you for that.

Warmest regards,
Toni

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

Beautiful capture, Toni!

Toni Girl Loc: Maryland's Eastern Shore

Sailorsmom,
You are an encourager. Thank you!
-Toni

saltysarge

Why do you use "G-d"? I'm guessing you mean "GOD".