On Display: Photos of Yeshiva Life

By Kristen Gaydos, CitizensVoice.com

In his debut exhibit, photographer Zevy “Wolf” Blokh aims to capture the reality of his classmates’ lives.

Blokh, from Queens, New York, and his photography subjects attend Bais Menachem Youth Development Program in Wilkes-Barre, a Jewish school where young men strengthen their connection with Judaism.

His work will be displayed at The Academy of Early Learning at Elly’s House in Forty Fort. An opening reception will be held Thursday, June 4, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Blokh is very happy and anxious about the showing. “My sleep pattern has been interrupted. That’s how excited I am,” he said.

Blokh, 18, said he wants his pictures to show that people shouldn’t be judged on preconceived notions or by stereotypes. He started out taking pictures of his friends for fun.

Lillian Feibus, who owns The Academy of Early Learning and Elly’s House, said she saw Blokh’s photos shared on Facebook. She was impressed with his skill and contacted him about doing a show at the Forty Fort business.

“Zevy works from an eclectic style,” she said. “He just has a way with photography.”

He said he’s made some really good friends at Bais Menachem, a school that helps its students find balance in their lives. “I love it,” he said. “I’m lucky to be here.”

Blokh said he had taken a photography class when he was around 11, but really discovered his passion for it about three years ago. That was when he first came to Bais Menachem and became interested in art and photography.

He joked that he found carrying around “a big, fancy camera,” taking photos in “awkward positions” looked really cool. At first, he copied what he liked, and branched out from there.

“As long as I’m excited about it, I’ll stick with it,” he said.