About The J Word Project

Leala Hewak is a Toronto-based artist whose ambitious conceptual project, The J Word, explores Jewish identity through photography. By assembling a “blurry group portrait” of Jewish individuals from diverse backgrounds—spanning non-observant to ultra-Orthodox and across varied socio-economic and cultural contexts—Hewak aims to create a collective visual representation of Jewish diversity. The goal of the project is to collect an extraordinary six million images, combining live portraits captured by Hewak and selfies submitted by participants worldwide. The J Word celebrates resilience, challenges stereotypes, and fosters greater understanding and connection.

Hewak’s artistic practice is deeply shaped by her previous career as a defense counsel, where she developed a profound commitment to themes of access and social justice. Early in her legal journey, she apprenticed with the esteemed social rights lawyer Clayton Ruby and later served as duty counsel for Ontario Legal Aid. Over five years, she represented low-income clients in approximately 3,000 bail hearings, honing her ability to quickly understand individuals and their stories. These experiences instilled a fearless and empathetic approach, which now defines her photography.

Hewak’s unique perspective lends a compelling, personal depth to her work, allowing her to approach each subject with the same empathy and determination that characterized her legal career. Her transition to photography reflects her exceptional talent for forging swift, genuine connections with people, enabling her to capture images that are both intimate and authentic.