Chani Cohen ZadaHayom harat olam, 2020

Chani Cohen Zada, Hayom harat olam

oil on canvas
60 × 35 cm (24 × 14 in)

About the Artwork

Hayom Harat Olam takes its title from the moving prayer recited on Rosh Hashanah: "Today the world is born." The painting presents a carefully arranged still life: a shofar suspended in midair above a small table draped with a blue cloth, while a simple wall clock hangs above. Through these restrained yet powerful symbols, Chani Cohen Zada reflects on the themes of creation, judgment, the passage of time, and spiritual renewal that define the Jewish New Year. The work invites viewers to pause and consider the preciousness of every moment and the opportunity each new year offers for renewal.

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The phrase Hayom Harat Olam occupies a central place in the Rosh Hashanah liturgy. It reminds us that each year is not merely another passage of time but a moment of renewed creation, when humanity stands once again before its Creator. The shofar, perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the High Holy Days, serves as a call to awaken spiritually, stirring the soul toward repentance, reflection, and hope.

Rather than resting on the table, the shofar appears suspended in the air, freed from the laws of ordinary space. This unexpected presentation transforms it from a ceremonial object into a spiritual voice that transcends the physical world. Its silent presence suggests that the call of the shofar continues to resonate long after its sound has faded, reaching the heart and conscience of every individual.

Above the composition hangs a simple wall clock. More than a measure of passing hours, it becomes a reminder that time itself is one of life's greatest gifts. On Rosh Hashanah, the calendar begins anew, inviting each person to reflect upon the year that has passed and the one that lies ahead. The clock quietly asks how we choose to use the time entrusted to us.

The blue cloth draped across the table evokes dignity and reverence, preparing the space for sacred encounter. Together, the suspended shofar, the clock, and the table create a composition that speaks of time, awakening, and renewal. Each object contributes to the atmosphere without dominating it, allowing the viewer to contemplate the spiritual message carried by the whole.

Hayom Harat Olam ultimately reminds us that every new year is an opportunity to begin again. The sounding of the shofar calls us to awaken, while the steady movement of the clock reminds us that time is precious. Together they express the enduring message of Rosh Hashanah: every moment carries the possibility of renewal, growth, and a deeper relationship with Hashem.

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