Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 9:05pm
Some bar and bat mitzvah kids are naturally poised and confident when they stand on the bimah reciting their torah portions and delivering their teaching drash. Bowen is one such teenager. Not only did he chant his Hebrew learnings beautifully and give an interesting lecture but he also played a song on his saxophone. I can’t remember another b’nai mitzvah at Berkeley’s Congregation Beth El where the bar mitzvah performed with their instrument. It was lovely. And what made the service even more meaningful was that Bowen’s mother and aunt also chanted from the torah. Way to go women! These women grew up in Orthodox synagogues where women did not read from the torah so they did not have the early experience of chanting. It was really beautiful to have their contribution; it made the event an important family event.
My son will be a bar mitzvah in 5 weeks. My mom and I are planning to chant from the torah just like we did at my older son’s bar mitzvah and just like Bowen’s mom and aunt. It’s quite a wonderful feeling to be part of an ancient tradition. Learning to read Hebrew without the aid of knowing the language and the help of vowels or other punctuation is pretty hard and it gives me some empathy into how difficult it is for the young people to master. I still have a lot to learn in the next 5 weeks. In the mean time, congratulations to Bowen and his family.
Taken from outside the sanctuary.
The bar mitzvah gets showered with candy.
Blessings over the bread and wine just after the service.
Way to go Bowen. A job well done!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 5:59pm
Oakland has a new resident, Baby Sam. I photographed baby Sam and his 2 year old brother when Sam’s mom was pregnant. It was so nice to meet Sam and photograph the whole family. Isn’t he adorable? I also designed baby announcements so friends and family can get a peek at this cutie-pie. I look forward to photographing Sam through all his milestones: his first steps, first birthday, bar mitzvah, his engagement, and wedding…OK, maybe that’s a bit much for now.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 8:27pm
I had the privilege of photographing K for a maternity shot. She was delightful, fun and beautiful.
Being pregnant is such a powerful time in a woman’s life and K makes it look easy. I’m glad to see that women these days celebrate their pregnancy and take the time to honor it with a photo shoot. It’s a special time, one which is not repeated often, and really deserves being acknowledged. I know for myself, having photos of my body in its most strong, female, natural state is something to treasure. I still have my pregnancy portraits on my wall.
I always get a kick out of women who just want to show their feminine glory and enjoy the marvel of what their body can do. I look forward to meeting and photographing the little guy who’s growing inside.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 2:49pm
This has been a wonderful month for me to show my art in two fantastic venues: San Francisco’s Contemporary Jewish Art Museum and Oakland’s Laney College. I currently have a photo in a group showing of Bay Area Synagogues. My contribution is of my synagogue, Congregation Beth El in Berkeley. Our synagogue is quite new and modern and I showed the ceiling as well as the rest of the interior space including the ark. When I’m sitting in the sanctuary, the ceiling reminds me of the ribs of a ship or an ark.
The other public showing of my work is at Oakland’s Laney College Photography Department. I have been involved in a group of Black and White film fanatics who love to photograph film and print on silver gelatin paper. My project focuses on portraits of teenagers. I love the complexity of the teen age as the kids are trying out different roles and attitudes as they try to figure out who they are and what they want to become. I have five prints exhibiting at the event and it was so sweet that three of the five models were present at the show reception December 9, 2009. Photos below taken with my phone! For my next holiday present, I want a camera that also makes pretty good phone calls!
The show includes six other local photographers: Steven Ansley, Black Moon, Carl Lantz, Adreina Febres, Christine and Bill Van Meter. The William High Memorial Gallery is located at 900 Fallon Street, Photography Department Room A-160, is open to the public and will be hanging through January 30, 2010.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 10:57am
You know someone. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty. I have joined a group of 1000 photographers world wide who have embraced the season of giving and sharing by giving fine art to someone you might know who cannot otherwise afford it.
You know someone. I guarantee it.
I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography — $650 worth, to be exact. Whether it’s canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.
Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $150 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?
The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)
* The nominee must reside in the East Bay Area. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.
* You must e-mail me the full story : photos@shoeysindel.com or send it to me as a comment below (I’ll keep them private)
The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve — get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!
Open your heart to someone this holiday season — and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
With love,
Shoey
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 1:08pm
Being a photographer allows me a meet very interesting people and learn about their passions and talents. One such character is Bay Area Luthier Stephen Faulk. Stephen designs and hand builds flamenco and classical guitars. They are truly beautiful. He makes the rosette out of little strips of colored wood arranged into designs of butterflies, abstracts and geometrics which he slices like a thin loaf of bread and lays into a channel. His precision and craftsmanship are extraordinary and he’s a hoot to hang out with.
You can hear how resonate the guitar I photographed sounds on a youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV7sCxaLeBw . Contact Stephen if you are interested in knowing more about his craft www.sfguitars.net/links.htm.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 12:21am
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 2:22am
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 12:56am
My wonderful neighbors/clients Kim, Danny, Molly and Camille are so sweet. They came over to view their portraits and brought me cookies! How did they know that I love cookies almost as much as I love chocolate?
I love my business. I get to do what I’m obsessed with–photography–meet terrific people who let me join them in their lives, make friends with them and give them something that they will love forever. Life is good. Cheers.
Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 12:43am
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