Hasidic Variety

I have been struck by the range of styles among the orthodox communities in Israel. I should stress up front that these thoughts are observational and subjective. I have not talked to anyone or done any research on the subject.  I've often seen 'black hat' men, especially in Jerusalem, resplendent in their standard uniform of black suit, white shirt and a variety of hats (veritable peacocks), walking very fast (Where are they going, I always wonder?) with super serious expressions on their faces. (Probably late for Torah study). All that studying could explain their pale, slightly unhealthy pallor. Then you have the 'hippy' Hasids, cool, younger guys with long peyos, shortish beards, suspenders, alpaca wool hats from Peru and the like, hanging out in the squares of Tsfat's old city and the hip neighborhoods of Tel Aviv.  And today, Michelle and I were treated to some street theater by the 'Na Nachs'.

We were sitting outside Michelle's newest favorite falafel joint after her Ulpan, eating a 'hetsi lafa' (that is half of a lafa or wrap - no pita for us), when we heard some thundering, techno Hasidic hip hop music blasting from a van down the street. Then a few men with peyos, beards and wearing white knitted kipot came out and started dancing around the van to the music.  According to Jewish Humor Central, these guys are known as the 'Na Nachs', ecstatic orthodox followers of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. Apparently they go around various cities dancing to the music with the intent of 'bringing joy to passersby'. They did look very blissful - and had definitely taken a slug of Reb Nachman's kool aid. We just watched with amusement - I had not seen this flavor of observance. I guess you've been in Israel awhile when you just shrug this stuff off and don't even get the camera out.

Interior of Ethiopian Church

After this dose of religious fervor we took things down a notch with a visit to the Ethiopian Church on, you guessed it, Ethiopia Street. This church is a beautiful building with a circular architecture, patterned after similar structures in Ethiopia. Nice to wander around inside (shoes off before entering, please).  Oriental carpets grace the floors of the outer circle, surrounding an inner room.  Very different from other churches that are built to resemble the shape of the cross.

Drum and flowers in an alcove