The pain of atrocities when inflicted on you or your folk. How to portray these centuries of persecution and torture?
Bak has brilliantly portrayed these Hasidic characters as the bearers of tradition with instruments of prayer and practice. The straps of the tefillin (phylacteries) are used as a binding instrument. The single Shabbat candle is carefully wrapped as if it is attached to the back of the small Hasid who is supported by a metal cane. The strap continues to the large Hasid behind where the end of the strap is burning as if it were the wick of the candle. Semi holy. Partial light or kedusha. The light illuminates this strange and strained scene of memory.
On the left a "wall" of totally blank parchment curtains off this strange scene. The background is completed with a "wall" of stripes of the tallit or the prisoner's garment.
Context and many interpretations. All a form of visual testimony of atrocity. Indeed "The Rite of Light".
What is illuminated?
Bernard H. Pucker, BAK a Day, February 27, 2024
Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History (Samuel Bak Museum)
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