Hasidic Dancers - Israel Museum Exhibit

Location: West Jerusalem, Israel

Portrait of the Life of Hasidic Jews

"This ethnographic exhibition highlights facets of Hasidic culture that may not be known to the wider public. It illustrates the Hasidic experience through the rich, complex attire of men, women, and children and through objects with meaning for the group’s social and spiritual life, which revolves around its charismatic leader, the Rebbe."--The Times of Israel

In June 2012 The Israel Museum mounted an exhibition of the culture of the Ultra-orthodox Hasidim in Israel called "A World Apart Next Door: Glimpses into the Life of Hasidic Jews.” The exhibition explored the life of the Hasidim through 270 photographs, drawings, engravings, video, and music, “relating to the social and spiritual life of this often hidden community.” I was fortunate to go to the opening event and see a performance of Hasidic dancers as well as the exhibit itself. Audio and text, accompanying the art and artifacts, described the origins of Hasidism and the lives and customs of members of the Hasidic community. The art in this exhibit reflected the identity of Hasidic men, women , children, the rebbe . Below you will find a video of dances from the Museum’s opening.

Slideshow Movie of Hasidic Dances