Sharon Eilon Photography

Among the various topics I like to explore, religions and rituals are probably my favorites. Many of my street photography projects involve explorations of different religions, different cultures, their rituals, holidays, costumes, traditional attire and many more. I aim to highlight what is often hidden under this variability - our shared humanity. Deep down we share more similarities than differences. We all want our children to be happy; we all hum our favorite songs; we laugh when we're told a joke, and we cry when we lose the people we love. Our emotions, our wishes, our fears and aspirations are all so intrinsically human, and it is those experiences I hope to shed light on.

However, in most of the religious events I photographed, something bothered me and it took me a while to figure out what it was. Almost in all religions, the practice of religion and its rituals are a right and obligation of the men of the community. Even today in our modern world, women's presence in the massive crowds of devotees you would see in major religious events is rather sparse. Women are often situated on the outer edge of the crowds, watching the kids while the men are praying, studying, or performing the ritual stages. In this series, I wanted to focus on the women's place in these events. Sometimes they are secluded, and at times they insist on taking a more active part, but they are always persistent, insisting on showing their own version of devotion, spreading their faith and hope.