BEAUTIFUL ISRAEL: THROUGH THE EYES OF THE PUFFIN CAMERA CLUB
Group Photography Exhibit
WHEN: August 1-28; Meet the Photographers Reception: Sunday, August 7, 1-3 PM
WHERE: Waltuch Gallery of the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 East Clinton Avenue, Tenafly
Internationally-recognized photographer Rachel Banai and twelve students in her Puffin Camera Club will exhibit Beautiful Israel: a special photo exhibition highlighting a recent trip to Israel.
During their ten day trip, the group experienced life on Kibbutz Samar, near Eilat, and went on to capture beautiful images of Israel, including the dunes in the Negev, a date plantation; a lighthouse in the seaside town of Eilat; the ancient copper mines at Timna Park, the Dead Sea, Masada, Tel Aviv and more.
Crossing the border to Jordan, they toured the city of Aqaba and explored the archaeological wonders in Petra. While in Jerusalem, they toured the Arab marketplace and the Old City to see Jewish, Muslim, and Christian holy sites. They also visited Kibbutz Neot Smadar and photographed the natural crater Mitzpe Ramon.
In addition to capturing the beautiful sites, the group also had the opportunity to meet and photograph interesting people during their journey. Among them was Miriam, a Bedouin entrepreneur who grows her own herbs to produce a line of medicinal oils and creams based on ancient Bedouin practices; Margaret Tayar, who runs a sea food restaurant in Jaffa; and a Finnish host at the bed-and-breakfast where they stayed in Maoz Tzion near Jerusalem.
“My goal was to offer my students a grand tour, where they would get to know the people of Israel, as well as all the many sites that make Israel such a special place to visit and photograph,” Banai said. This exhibit really shows the many faces of Israel through various lenses.”
Gallery hours are Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 10 PM; Friday and Sunday, 9 AM – 4 PM; closed Saturday and Jewish holidays. Admission is free and open to the community. Artwork is available for sale. For more information contact Ophrah Listokin, Waltuch Gallery Director, at 201.408.1408 or visit the JCC website at www.jccotp.org.
