Mea Sharim is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Jerusalem and is where many ultra-Orthodox Jewish people live. I went to photograph there one afternoon with just my 35mm and 50mm lenses and found that with the streets crowded I blended in quite naturally. The following morning I returned early and I felt a bit more obtrusive, but spoke with a couple of gentlemen in the neighborhood and let them know that I’d show due respect. It’s a fascinating neighborhood and I’d certainly like to return for a more in-depth look. As you scroll through it will give you a glimpse into the life of the neighborhood.
nomadruss in words and photos 
Wonderful images Russ
Thanks Matt!
Amazing photos. You really capture the essence of the people and their culture. Kudos.
Thanks, I appreciate that. I really enjoyed walking around those neighborhoods!
Lovely. We passed through Mea Sharim on the city bus regularly when we travlled from our apartment in Tsameret Habira to downtown. Once when I was crossing through an empty lot near the neighborhood an Haredi man sang “where are your sleeves?” in a singsong voice as he passed.
And I found that people are kind like that. I let one man know that I respected the people (even though I was photographing) and he let me know that he respected me too…
Why just women? (First shot) Nice photos.
Good question. Men shouldn’t walk around in shorts either.
Depends on the guy. 😄
As someone who has never been to Israel, I found surprising that the females were clearly more open to your presence than the males. For that reason, those of women were more intriguing!
Interesting observation.
Great pics, just as I remember it from a short trip in 1981. Almost like time has stood still.
Wow, that’s interesting! I could see where that neighborhood has remained the same…
for some odd reason immediately reminded me of Hopi villages – don’t know why. Also interesting some streets are very clean and some are very littered.
Thanks for the comments, it interesting to discover what people tune into in the photographs. There’s a lot to see in these, huh?
Absolutely fascinating post!! The men somehow remind me of the Amish!
I can see those similarities too, thanks!
Great collection of photos. I like them all, but for some reason I think the girl in the pink is the best. It makes you wonder what she is thinking and you have the blurred background of her neighborhood that gives a sense of her life.
That first sign made me giggle – wheni was in college I worked for a non-profit that organized trips to places including Saudi Arabia. One partipant drove us crazy with questions about her shoes and what would orwould not be aacceptable. So imagine my surprise to get an email from the group leader that this woman tried to board her flight to Riyadh wearing shorts and a tank top – with her closed toe shoes of course!
Oh my, now that’s a fun story…
Great photos – another essay showing day to day life. Did anyone have any issues with you taking photos of them?
On a busy afternoon I had no problems, on an early morning when the streets were quieter, it was much moe challenging.
Hey Nomadruss, I’m very very new to blogging. May I respectfully ask what widget you used to create the lovely photo essay of the Mea Sharim. I’m just learning and would appreciate some help. I’m still constructing my site. Thank you again for your gorgeous pictures.
What a great “field trip” you took us on.. this is why I love street photography.. The heartbeat of the people,cities just come through each of your shots.. really enjoyed these!
Thanks Lynne!