By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
While camping at San Elijo State Beach in the surf neighborhood of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, I stopped by the local San Diego County library branch with my family to check out new books and upcoming events.
On display throughout the library was Gregory Cali’s In Search of Beauty, so I sauntered through the different sections, pausing to look, reflect, and take in each photograph.
In Search of Beauty is an ongoing photography project born from spending a great deal of time outdoors and truly paying attention. Cali is not chasing perfect conditions or dramatic moments. Instead, he is interested in what reveals itself when you slow down and stay awhile.
He often returns to the same places again as the light changes, the ocean shifts, and the air feels different. His camera gives him a reason to stop and notice the small moments that are usually missed. The kind of beauty he is drawn to is quiet, natural, and grounding.
Cali notes that his photographs are meant to be lived with. They are not asking for interpretation or explanation. Instead, they offer a space to slow your breath, rest your eyes, and feel a sense of connection. In searching for beauty, he is really seeking moments that feel honest and true.
In Judaism, views of nature often reflect G-d’s will, where every element serves a purpose within creation. These perspectives are rooted in the Torah and celebrate the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Humans are seen as caretakers of the earth, carrying the responsibility to protect and preserve the environment.
A holiday that comes to mind is Tu B’Shvat, the New Year of the Trees. This holiday highlights the importance of trees and nature while encouraging reflection on ecological issues and our responsibility to care for the planet. In many ways, it feels like the Jewish Earth Day.
Whenever I come to the beach, I put my feet in the sand, step into the ocean, and listen to the waves. I feel G-d’s presence because this is something pure and not made by mankind. I close my eyes and take in all the senses: the smell of the salt air, the sun on my skin (with SPF 100+ sunscreen to protect it), and my hair moving in the wind.
I pray for family and friends who need comfort because I feel so close to nature here, as if my prayers are carried and heard among the crashing waves.
Gregory Cali’s exhibit will remain on display at the San Diego County Library Cardiff-by-the-Sea branch through Thursday, April 30. Click here for more information.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.