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Two Young Jewish girls play cards - Christmas Eve - Russia
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Two Young Jewish girls play cards - Christmas Eve - Russia
Two Young Russian Jewish girls spend christmas Eve (Epiphany Evening) playing cards. With Torah study off the table for the evening, a number of traditions developed as to how to spend ones night. Most well known is a custom to play cards, dreidel, chess or other table games. A beautiful illustration of this is shown in this painting by Elizabeth Bem. Date: 1908
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Media ID 11589807
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Beliefs Candlelight Epiphany Jewish Jews Nightime Smiles Tradition Traditions Elizabeth
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In this evocative painting by Elizabeth Bem, two young Russian Jewish girls are seen enjoying a festive evening on Christmas Eve, or Epiphany Eve, as it is known in the Jewish community. The date is 1908, and the girls, with their happy smiles and rosy cheeks, are surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight. While the study of the Torah is typically a central part of Jewish life, on this special night, other traditions take precedence. One such custom is the playing of cards, dreidel, chess, or other table games. This tradition likely developed as a way to provide a sense of normalcy and joy during a time when many Jewish families were unable to celebrate their own religious holidays due to persecution and discrimination. The girls in Bem's painting seem to be fully engaged in their card game, their expressions reflecting the fun and excitement of the moment. The painting captures the essence of a cherished Jewish tradition, one that has been passed down through generations. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of the Jewish people, and the importance of finding joy and connection in the face of adversity. The beautiful candlelight, the warm smiles, and the sense of community conveyed in this painting make it a truly special and enduring image.
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