Special for Tu B'Shvat: The Scholar Who Found Fulfillment in Capturing the Landscapes of Israel

Evyatar Shai Pdael, 27, married with three children, is a quiet, diligent scholar. Indeed, his appearance corresponds with his character and occupation — his sideburns curl beside his thick beard, his posture is upright but not arrogant, his walk is brisk, and he almost always has a smile on his face. However, none of these reveal his big hobby, which is strongly tied with his personal, deep service to Hashem, a hobby he has been developing professionally with great passion. For several years now, Evyatar has been heavily involved in photographing the nature and landscapes of Israel, engaging in a lively, creative, and playful adventure. And these days, surrounding the New Year of Trees, are a fitting time to recount the amazing connection between Hashem and the wonders of creation.

"On a daily basis, I mostly study Torah and serve as a technical manager in a yeshiva for returnees to faith near the Torat HaChaim yeshiva in Yad Binyamin," Evyatar shares. "I grew up in a religious home with warm, simple and good parents, and I hope I have the merit to say that I am a returnee to faith, or at least strengthened in my faith, from the age of 17 onward."

Autumn Flower

When did you start photographing, and why? How does all of this connect with your service to Hashem?

"The path to finding the connection between spirituality and nature is what burned in my heart and brought forth 'Barchi Nafshi', which is the name of my private photography project. Even as a child, I was drawn to nature subconsciously, observing it as a soothing balm for a thirsty soul longing to quench its thirst. As I grew up, I pushed this place aside, especially as a young man investing his time in Torah study and character development. Whenever the urge to go out into nature arose, I tried to ignore it until it overwhelmed me."

And what brought the change?

"After much deliberation, I turned to my mentor, Rabbi Shmuel Tal, and shared everything in my heart with him. I tried to be as honest as possible, yet his response surprised me: 'Your soul is calling you. I'm not going to tell you exactly what to do, but you should know that in the rain that falls, in the fields and trees, in the mountains and streams, Hashem is revealed in simplicity, and His delight is that we reveal Him there as well.'"

Cyclamens

"Once I realized there was an inner truth to this," continues Evyatar, "I very much wanted to actualize it in reality, to do something with these good longings. So, like a Jew yearning for good, I went to the field to ask Hashem to enlighten me on what to do and where to go. Suddenly, I felt an illumination: photography! That night, I could not sleep. I knew I could not delay this any longer, and even while studying and developing my skills professionally, I needed to find time to express what was in my heart through the lens. To be honest, I want to say that I had great heavenly assistance in this matter, and even my first photographs were unique and beautiful, thank Hashem."

Warm Tears in the Eyes

It is commonly said that all beginnings are hard. However, when it comes to matters that touch deep and good places in the soul, there is also much pleasantness and light. This is exactly how Evyatar describes his early days in the world of photography. "Day by day, I felt that something good was opening up in me. This unique path in nature stirred deep impressions, evoking great longing for the Creator of all, the source of all goodness. The beauty of nature is not just beauty and end of story; it holds a simple revelation of Hashem. I felt it strongly, how Hashem hides behind all this beauty, and how creation calls out in a silent voice, 'And G-d saw that it was good.' If I could summarize my photography journey in two words, I’d say 'closeness to Hashem.' And all of this with warm tears in my eyes. My aspiration in photography is to express this closeness to Hashem as much as possible. From a fundamental decision, I only photograph the Land of Israel, as you can truly feel the closeness of Hashem in our land, everywhere and in every aspect."

Almond Blossoms in Pink Bloom

Why did you decide to photograph only the Land of Israel? There are many beautiful landscapes around the world.

"People often told me, 'Go abroad, you could take photos you never dreamed of,' but I thought to myself, 'No, that's simply not it.' Perhaps there's something to photograph there, but leaving for landscapes in another country? That's like a foreign woman who doesn't belong to you. That's really how I feel, and my mentor expressed the same sentiment. Only here in the land can the blend of materiality and spirituality be sanctified. Truth will sprout from the land. Besides, I feel a very fundamental connection to the Land of Israel, and my entire photography endeavor arises from this connection. Even though I know I could photograph higher mountains or more powerful water flows abroad, in my view, it would lack the spirit of life. The Land of Israel possesses its own inner and sacred grace beyond words and outer display. As one of the great Chassidut masters said, we must adhere to the ways of Hashem, and it is written: 'A land that the eyes of Hashem, your G-d, are always upon.' Therefore, we too must observe and behold the Land of Israel."

Pay Attention to the Soul

It is no secret, known to anyone who has engaged in amateur or professional photography — great effort is needed to achieve beautiful photographs. In my conversation with Evyatar, I tried to understand what he feels when he succeeds in this, and what psychological needs it fulfills for him. Or in other words, is all the effort worth it? "The ability to capture a moment in the expanses of nature allows me to express the longing that rises within me in this special meeting, and when I feel the photo is heading in this direction, it brings me great joy. Because when you’re in nature, everything looks beautiful and full of life, but when you want to photograph the beauty revealed before your eyes, most of the time the image doesn’t sufficiently reflect what we hope to see through the lens. If, with Hashem's help, you manage to capture the right moment, with the right angle and lighting, then we can feel that the photo indeed tells its story and invites us to contemplate and delight in it."

When did you first feel you were already a good photographer, producing quality images?

"I feel there is no limit to the level one can reach in photography, and thoughts always arise in me that the photo I took could have been more beautiful and more expressive. Therefore, it's also very important for me to strengthen the joy in my handiwork and praise them, for what Hashem opens up and allows me to do is excellent.

Colors of the Stream

"In general, the most important thing in photography is to look for the photo that makes the observer feel it touches the simple truth in them. Through nature photography, for instance, I realized that only by truly observing nature can you discover it. Fallen leaves, or a bird on a tree branch, usually don't engage us, but nature has its own declaration, and those who pause to see it discover an amazing creation and divine wisdom in it."

You can see on your website that you combine verses with your photos. Why?

"The verses I add to some of the photos express a call I find in the image, and in general convey the message that the connection to Hashem is the most colorful and beautiful connection there can be. Most of these are verses that strengthen me in my life and resonate in me when I see the photos."

And Rejoice

Would you recommend to people looking for a deep hobby related to serving Hashem to start photographing?

"The answer is that everyone should listen to themselves, to the gentle soul within, and give it what it desires, not block it. For me, that voice of the soul is entirely about photography. By the grace of Hashem, today, after more than four years of photographing monthly, I have amassed about 120 unique landscape and nature photos of the holy land. By the way, every photo that reaches the final stage, meaning published on my website, first passes the test of my wife. She has a highly artistic eye."