Meeting Dad At Minyan (2018-2019) by Simon Aubor is a multi-channel video installation that brings an orthodox Jewish synagogue into the gallery to interrogate the possibilities of religious-ritual spaces being experienced in a secular context. By documenting the male oriented ritual of orthodox minyan, Aubor focuses on the bonds of male mate-ship in religious practice—employing a lens that acknowledges his insider/outsider relationship to it. From sharing a toast whilst having a yarn, to chanting in Hebrew and wrapping a tefillin; Aubor captures and elaborates on the diverse connections (and disconnections) that the synagogue and ritual has with himself. This feeds a broader investigation into ideas of belonging and identity in a contemporary settler and immigrant context in Australia.
Artist note: An orthodox Jewish Minyan, is a quorum of 10 or more males required for daily religious rituals. Once a thirteen year old male performs their Bar Mitzvah, they can be included as one of the 10 males to perform this ritual.
Image: Simon Aubor, Meeting Dad at Minyan, 2018-2019, film still.