Bello, suburb of Medellín

Bello is a small town near Medellín, Colombia. My visit to Bello  began on Purim, a joyous holiday that celebrates Jewish survival against adversity. On this special day, the synagogue was filled with the laughter of children, their costumes and masks reflecting both the festive spirit and the enduring cultural traditions of this tight-knit community.

The photographs capture the devotion to learning that is central to their way of life. Within the synagogue, sacred texts are studied with focus and reverence, a testament to the deep connection between faith and education. The images also reveal the distinct separation of men and women during prayer, a reflection of the community’s adherence to traditional practices.

The home is another center of faith. Shabbat, the weekly day of rest, is celebrated with warmth and solemnity. In the synagogue, my camera could only document the moments after the Shabbat had ended, including the singing and the quiet beauty of the Havdalah service, when candles are lit to mark the close of the Sabbath and the beginning of the new week.

Through these images, the exhibition celebrates not only the rituals of Jewish life but also the resilience of this community. It offers a window into their faith, traditions, and the enduring strength that continues to sustain them in a world often marked by change.

Shabbat at the home of Antolinez

Havdalah Service