Becoming a Man: Nathan’s Bar Mitzvah

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to photograph the Bar Mitzvah of the son of a couple whose wedding I’d photographed a few years prior. Well, to be totally accurate, I had the opportunity to photograph the rehearsal of the Bar Mitzvah, as photography isn’t allowed in the synagogue during the ritual itself. As it turns out, I actually think it’s better that way, as there was an intimacy to the family-only preparations and rehearsal that was missing from the actual day. Behind all the circumstance and ceremony, there is a boy symbolically becoming a man, and taking on the responsibilities of the Jewish community.

What follows here are some of my favorite photos of the day, which I think tell the story pretty well without words. I had plans to make this into a photo essay, and may still take these images and do more with them–I definitely think they are some of my strongest “storytelling” images and got me more interested in documentary or photojournalistic photo projects.

Thanks to Nathan, Rachel, Bryan and Roz for letting me be a part of this important moment in Nathan’s life–as someone who isn’t particularly religious looking in, I can really appreciate the customs, the ritual, and the importance of such an event and its significance in the larger community. The quiet proceedings and preparations of the day before Bar Mitzvah seemed particularly sacred, and special, with the gravitas of close family recognizing and celebrating an important moment.