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Photo: Marina Goldstein
Model at show in synagogue
Photo: Marina Goldstein

Synagogue fashion show sparks outcry

Models in revealing attire walk runway alongside Torah ark at Tel Aviv's Beit El synagogue, setting off storm in haredi media and social networks.

The Beit El synagogue in Tel Aviv made headlines two weeks ago after unknown perpetrators protesting the nationality bill targeted the structure with a hate crime – however, it appears that for the ultra-Orthodox community, the graffiti spray painted on the exterior walls paled in comparison to the desecration of sanctity that occurred several days earlier, inside the prayer hall itself.

 

 

The synagogue, considered to be modern Orthodox, hosted a fashion show in which models walked around a stage where Torah readings are held, while some cantors stood on it, chanting and reading prayers.

 

Video: Marina Goldstein    (צילום: מרינה גולדשטיין)

Video: Marina Goldstein

סגורסגור

שליחה לחבר

 הקלידו את הקוד המוצג
תמונה חדשה

שלח
הסרטון נשלח לחברך

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The event, in which designer Milly Dahan displayed her latest fashion collection, was held at the end of November, and now, following the publication of fashion reviews - it set off a storm among ultra-Orthodox media and social networks.

 

While fashion industry professionals raved over the unique location and special atmosphere, many in the religious public have taken offense over the display.

 

Ultra-Orthodox websites condemned the incident in strong words: "Shocking: Models wearing revealing outfits appeared in a fashion show inside a synagogue in Tel Aviv," the website "Haredim 10" wrote, adding that the event "crossed all lines".

 

Designer: 'The dresses on display were not revealing but rather conservative' (Photo: Marina Goldstein) (Photo: Marina Goldstein)
Designer: 'The dresses on display were not revealing but rather conservative' (Photo: Marina Goldstein)

 

Meanwhile, the synagogue's rabbi claims that the show was held without his knowledge or consent, and announced that he was proceeding legally against those responsible.

 

Designer: Production worker had epileptic fit

Tzohar, an organization representing the modern Orthodoxy that works in partnership with the synagogue said in response: "We are shocked by the desecration of holiness and the disgrace to the synagogue that goes against Halacha. The rabbi of the synagogue claims that this event was held without his knowledge and consent, and he is taking legal steps to bring to justice those responsible for these horrible acts."

 

Designer Milly Dahan told Ynet that she had obtained approval for the event and that the payment for it had been made, adding that the synagogue's managers were aware of the nature of the show and agreed to it.

 

"It is inconceivable that we invaded the building without permission, with such a big production. Both our intention and theirs was very good – to connect and bring together worlds, show that there are fashionable and modern clothes that can be worn inside a synagogue. I myself come from a traditional home. The dresses on display were not revealing but rather conservative. There was no intention of hurting anyone's feelings," she said. 

 

Dahan claims that a circulated video of the event, which shows several models in inappropriate dress, did not reflect the nature of the event. According to her, the models were supposed to be wearing an additional upper garment, that was to cover their exposed bodies, but that an epileptic fit suffered by a member of the show's production staff led to panic backstage and disrupted the original plan.

 

A stylist assisted with dressing the models was then called to treat the staff member and was therefore unable to attend to his job.

 

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan said the event showed a deep lack of respect to Jewish tradition, and announced that regulations will be enforced prohibiting "the use of synagogues for inappropriate needs that are not in line with the sanctity of the site."

 


פרסום ראשון: 12.19.14, 23:00
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