New Sephardic Book Review: Jewish Life in Rhodes "Family Portraits"

Jewish Life in Rhodes - Family Portraits by Aron Hasson

The book Jewish Life in Rhodes "Family Portraits" is a photographic collection of the Jews of Rhodes containing the individual and family portraits from the 1880s to the 1940s. The 188-page book highlights the thriving Jewish community with a unique amalgamation of Judeo-Spanish, Turkish and European facets in their language, lifestyle, and traditions.

While looking at the photographer's camera lens, these portraits were composed while standing or sitting in a still position, illustrating the subject's body language and sense of self. These photo sessions were often held in a studio with sheshikus, the stone mosaic floors seen in La Juderia. During the Ottoman period, traditional costumes were worn, such as fez (headcover), salvar (long wide trousers), and entari (robe) for men, while the women wore the tokado (headdress), entari (dress), sayo (robe) and jube (overcoat lined with fur). At the turn of the century, European influences and modernized attire became dominant. The 600+ images capture the vibrant Jewish community and interesting sections of family ties as seen in their homes, businesses with logos and stationaries, weddings and invitations, children, professionals with diplomas, and Purim costumes. 

On the back of many photos, the Ladino notes handwritten in Solitreo conveyed the emotions and longing for their loved ones. Some photographs of children are shown pointing at their temple, signaling "remember us” or “we are thinking of you"; others would hold their loved one's pictures.

Similarly, this act of remembrance and honoring our ancestors is the book's main purpose. Thanks to the generosity of the Rhodesli descendants, the photographic collection came to fruition. The book is now an important addition to the Sephardic history of Rhodes. 

May this book be a source of pride to everyone connected to Rhodes and their Sephardic roots. It empowers readers to tell the stories of their families so the present and future generations can cherish them.