Religion is a critical component of Israeli life and culture. Debates over religion are constantly taking place in Israel’s public sphere, and Jerusalem, a holy place for the three main monotheistic religions, is often the focal point of these disputes. Although most Israelis live average Western secular lives, there are many unique religious sects found throughout the country. Filming these sects makes for fascinating social and cultural footage.

One such area of the country is the Mea She’arim neighborhood in Jerusalem. When you enter Mea She’arim (literally means One Hundred Gates), just a five-minute walk from Jerusalem’s city center, you might feel as though you have been catapulted to a different era. The surroundings are reminiscent of a small Eastern European town one hundred years ago because the residents have maintained a similar lifestyle to that of pre-WWI Europe, based on an ideology opposed to modernity. This densely populated neighborhood is home to thousands of ultra-orthodox and Hassidic residents. The inside world of one Hassidic group in Mea She'arim was the subject of a recent popular Israeli film, Ushpizin, which describes Hassidic practices and theology.
Each sect, with its unique dress, lifestyle, and customs, makes a visit to Mea She’arim a fascinating cultural and sociological experience. Mea She’arim is a worthwhile place to film for those who want to capture one of the many faces of Israel.