New Traditions

In my synagogue, there is a wall that tends to be revolving art exhibits. Currently, there is a collection of black and white photographs showing various scenes of study from Jewish life. Several pictures of older men with beards and even side curls; a few of younger people, some of just scrolls or holy texts, one of a bookshelf in a Jewish library.

But my favorite?

A picture of a young boy, reading a book (and obviously intent on it), wearing a yarmulke and a GAP sweatshirt.

This is my favorite because of what it says about the combination of modernity and tradition; about acceptance of and by mainstream society while retaining uniqueness; about the new face of Jewish scholarship.

Also, because it just makes me smile.