53 New Moon Party

For the last few years now I have been an almost constant guest at the parties for the celebration of the 'New Moon' that are held in our region – thanks to my children, for whom these parties are an integral part of their world, and especially due to my son, who organizes some of these occasions and plays his cello at them. In this way I am brought somewhat closer to this special community that made our area a 'Spiritual" center. What I mean by this is the combination of some Jewishness, some of 'Yemima' teachings, some ecology as well as principles of healthy, organic nutrition and sometimes some 'New Age' as well. And of course a lot of music, primarily music with an 'ethnic' character, like the music which the ensemble in the photo plays. This 'Spirituality' which has earned itself a national reputation, competes with an opposing tendency which 'sells' our region as much esteemed real estate plots, much as 'Iraels's Provence', and it isn't difficult to guess that the real estate will win this competition. But in the meantime, the 'Holistic College' is flourishing here and perhaps there will be room for both tendencies without one defeating the other.

This photo was taken a week ago, at the last 'New Moon' occasion. It was a cold clear night but there was no rain. On the path leading to the shack there were still big puddles, however before the bonfire mats were spread and adults and children sat facing the fire. Inside the ensemble played as if to itself and at the other end of the shack there was a table with doughnuts and wine. A short time before I left, the people from Tel-Aviv arrived and I realized that the night was still young. At least three of them brought their instruments with them and I can only imagine that the jam session that began after the ensemble program, lasted long into the night.

Look at the musicians and their instruments. Note the saz and the little harp on the left and the different types of drums in the middle. Notice the warm light and the brown, wooden walls. Note as well the many microphones and the computer.