by Talia Lakritz, Young Jewish Milwaukee Student Editor

“Students of Milwaukee,” said executive director of The Jewish Lens Rabbi Leor Sinai, “You have taught us…You have become a link in the chain of Jewish narrative.”

It seems that this narrative is better expressed in pictures than in words. On May 11, 2010, Jews of all ages, schools, and levels of observance gathered to view a student-produced photography and video exhibition that was the culmination of The Jewish Lens project. An exhibit currently displayed at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, the project involved schools and synagogues throughout the area. Students from these organizations spent months photographing Jewish life in action; some pictures were posed, some unstructured, and others simply of significant religious articles.

The event featured speeches from Kipp Friedman, local coordinator of The Jewish Lens project; Rick Meyer, Executive Vice President of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation; and Rabbi Leor Sinai. The keynote speaker, Israeli photographer and founder of The Jewish Lens Zion Ozeri, showed some of his work and praised the local participants’ achievements.

“If done well,” said Ozeri, “[photography] can really speak volumes.”

After the speeches, all in attendance perused the numerous boards of pictures and several videos in other rooms. The appreciation of creativity and sense of Jewish unity was shared by everyone present.

“The Jewish Lens project was a success,” said a proud Kipp Friedman as the event wound down. “We more than accomplished everything we wanted to, to bring the community together for an outstanding photo exhibit. One hundred forty Jewish youth were exposed to Jewish values and culture, and were able to use creative photography to capture the wonderful diversity within our community.”

“Fabulous!” gushed Joni Blinderman, Associate Director of The Covenant Foundation, the sponsor of the project. “I’m overwhelmed. What an outstanding accomplishment!”

The exhibit will be on display through July 9 at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee. For a fresh perspective on what it means to be a Jew in this city, try viewing it through The Jewish Lens.

• Watch interviews with Fox 6 New’s Gus Gnorski! See videos from Midwest Jewish Lens Coordinator Kipp Friedman, Jewish Lens Executive Director Leor Sinai, Jewish Lens Milwaukee Educator Amanda Ruppenthal, and Coalition for Jewish Learning Executive Director Steve Baruch.
• Hear an interview about the project on WUWM 89.7’s Lake Effect by clicking here. Or DOWNLOAD the entire broadcast.
• Check out coverage in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel with an article and photos of exhibit preparation.
• See all of the photos of My Jewish Lens Milwaukee by clicking here.