Here is a portrait of Spencer outside of the synagogue that she will be bat mitzvahed. I like to call this image "walking into womanhood!" And Spencer sure is sailing right into her future. She is one of the most unique, artistic and lovely mitzvah girls that I have had the pleasure to photograph. From her amazing hairstyle choices (I was a little envious of her awesome frocks and her sense of style!) to her confidant speaking ability to her warmth with her friends and family, Spencer really knocked my socks off. I really enjoyed every moment we had to do portraits together.
I was lucky enough to be able to photograph the service in the temple (I was hidden high above in the balcony and unobtrusive). I often am not privileged to attend a mitzvah ceremony, so I was thrilled when I heard I could. I remember to this day being in awe and felt lucky that in my profession, I am able to see so many cultures and traditions of this world. I also remember taking a video with my phone of a beautiful song that was played on the
Congregation Rodeph Shalom is absolutely breathtaking! It is the oldest Ashkenazic synagogue in the Western Hemisphere and the building on North Broad in Philadelphia is of Moorish Revival architecture designed by Frank Furness in 1927. It's been on the National Register of Historic Places for many decades.
Location: 615 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19123.