Chani Cohen ZadaHadasim (Myrtle branches), 2020

Chani Cohen Zada, Hadasim (Myrtle branches)

oil on canvas
28 × 20 cm (11 × 8 in)

About the Artwork

Hadasim (Myrtle Branches) portrays a simple vase holding freshly cut myrtle branches upon a windowsill, illuminated by soft natural light. Unassuming yet deeply symbolic, the branches invite reflection on the quiet holiness woven into everyday Jewish life. Through careful observation and restrained composition, Chani Cohen Zada transforms an ordinary arrangement into a meditation on memory, tradition, and the beauty found in familiar rituals.

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The myrtle (hadas) occupies a cherished place in Jewish tradition. It is one of the Four Species used during the festival of Sukkot, where its fragrant leaves symbolize beauty expressed through righteous deeds. Throughout Jewish history, myrtle has also been associated with celebration, joy, and the sanctity of the home, appearing in customs surrounding Shabbat, weddings, and other festive occasions.

Rather than depicting the branches within a ceremonial setting, Cohen Zada presents them as part of everyday life. Resting in a simple glass jar beside an open window, they suggest that holiness is not confined to moments of ritual alone but continues to inhabit the ordinary spaces of the home. The transparent vessel, the reflected light, and the quiet arrangement encourage viewers to pause and notice the significance of what might otherwise be overlooked.

The window serves as both a source of light and a symbolic threshold between the interior and the natural world. The living branches, recently gathered from nature, bring the freshness of the outdoors into the domestic space, reminding us that creation itself participates in Jewish ritual and spiritual life.

As in much of Cohen Zada's work, meaning emerges through attentive observation rather than elaborate symbolism. Every leaf, reflection, and subtle variation of light contributes to an atmosphere of calm contemplation. The painting invites viewers to rediscover the richness contained within simple objects that accompany the rhythms of Jewish living.

Hadasim (Myrtle Branches) ultimately celebrates the quiet relationship between nature, tradition, and home. It reminds us that even the humblest objects can become vessels of memory, mitzvah, and spiritual beauty when viewed with attentive eyes.

 10,500

In stock

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