Monday, August 25, 2014

On Board The Mitzvah Tank

When the Mitzvah Tank bus is parked at the corner of 57th street and Fifth avenue, one or two of the people from the Tank stand outside and query passerbys if they are Jewish. Used to be when I couldn't be bothered with them I'd say 'No', and continue on my way. Not so anymore. If anyone answers 'Yes', they're then asked if they had put on Tfilin yet, and invited into the bus to partake of the 'mitzvah' (blessing) of doing the ritual. When I saw the bus this past week I stayed and celebrated the daily afternoon prayer 'mincha' which takes about ten minutes to go through. There's a wonderful feeling of community afterwards. And a chance to get some interesting shots.

The light was not great, dark on the bus, and bright sunlight outside, and I was too lazy to change lenses to my fast 14mm f2.8 lens. This next Wednesday I'll plan better. It's the first day of the Jewish month of Elul, and in preparation for the coming of the new year Rosh Hashana, the shofar is sounded every day. More on that after Wednesday.