Tzniut

“Tzniut” means modesty. In the Jewish religion, modesty is a means to create privacy. The veil over Jewish women's hair is motivated by such modesty. Coming from a family of Arab Jews I always wondered about my place as a woman. I want to capture what privacy means to Torah-observant women.

"Tzniut means modesty, dignity, demureness. Tzniut is the way to embellish the human side, hiding what only in private shall be revealed. Tzniut is the external reflection of what lies within. Is how you show who you truly are, your attitude, the way you go through life. Tzniut proves that essence is what is worth, that which is invisible to the eye.” The Secret of Jewish Femininity.

In the Jewish religion, modesty is a means to create privacy. The veiling of married Jewish woman’s hair is motivated by such modesty.

I was born and raised in Argentina under Jewish customs and traditions. I come from a family of Arab Jews, and both cultures were present in my upbringing.

Ever since I was a child I wondered about my place as a woman. I used to question why my dad always walked ahead of me, or why us women had to sit in the back on the Temple.

I’ve been portraying people’s backs, obstructions and empty elements for years, without knowing why. I realize a while back that many of the memories I have from my childhood are obstructed, partially visible. Like my dad’s back. Like religious women’s hair.

I now understand they are part of my history.

The project explores the concept of intimacy by portraying the Torah-observant women, their relationship with religion, customs and the interaction within the household.

I’m especially interested in capturing details. Hints on their daily life that can help grasp the essence of Tzniut.