Maintaining Traditions
Hold on to your hats for a truly touching story.
I had met Ora around my community, at Shabbat lunch, and running the kids programming at my Shul (synagogue). Delightful, sweet, funny. She reached out to me, and explained what she was looking for: which was EXACTLY what I do, and why I do it.
She explained that in her grandmother’s home, there are framed portraits of both her grandmother and her mother. She realized she’s now come to the same age and stage as they were, and she wanted to hire me to take a similar portrait of her, to display alongside them.
When the earlier generations did portraits, they lasted the test of time. Today’s cheap prints are no longer archival, so I was thrilled to not only create this piece for her, but know that I was going to deliver an item that will last for years, and that the next generation can emulate, as well.
Then, the twist. She was rushing to schedule. Just as she announced her ENGAGEMENT. I realized that she’s grabbing the beauty of this moment - freezing time and capturing this stage before her world spins.
We didn’t want to stop hanging out after the session. I gave her some of my Thai Curry, she gave me her recipe for Potato Kugel. She talked with anticipation about the moment when she would surprise her mother and grandmother with her portrait - that her grandmother had gifted her a bit of money for a college graduation gift, thinking it would perhaps go towards a watch, but Ora had this in mind instead.
Did I mention Ora has a sense of humor? She was obsessed with this outtake, said she wanted it for her phone screensaver!
I’m so pleased to be a part of this transition for Ora. I wish her and her Chosson (Groom) a lifetime of love and celebration - of both the old and the new.
