Portrait of Orah: Reviving Jewish Henna, Between Culture and Spirituality

Henna

Henna, used for thousands of years in many civilizations around the world, is an integral part of both Jewish and Arab cultures. It not just a decorative art. For some, it's a spiritual practice, a ritual of connection with nature, and a way to celebrate life's significant moments. We interviewed Orah, a young Jewish American artist from Oregon, who is passionate about henna. She shared with us her "revelation" about this unique plant. Orah explores the traditions of henna in the Jewish world, particularly among Yemeni and Moroccan Jewish communities, and hopes to revive this art, especially in Israel.

Orah has been working in the high-tech industry for several years. Two years ago, she discovered the world of henna through the artist Medina Trevathan, who quickly became her mentor. Although Orah was initially hesitant to begin this practice, she ultimately found a deep spiritual connection with henna. This led her to study in depth the henna traditions within Jewish communities, where she discovered a vibrant and ancient practice.

"I realized that the plant that produces henna is a truly powerful teacher, and I began studying what henna traditions looked like in the Jewish world. I discovered that not only are they still very much alive, but they have been carried on by the Jewish people for thousands of years. Generally, I first draw a design on paper, taking inspiration from Jewish artwork throughout history, particularly from the Torah. Then, I draw the designs on the hands or feet," says Orah.

At the time, henna was a way to assimilate with neighbors because it was something they could share. During Ramadan, for example, Jews living in Arab countries would refrain from using henna to avoid drawing attention to themselves, as it was not widely encouraged during the holy month of the Muslim calendar.

A Practice Rooted in Jewish Tradition

Yemeni Jews, known for preserving many cultural and religious traditions, use henna not only as a true form of body adornment but also for its spiritual and mystical significance. Henna designs among Jews are often geometric, featuring circles, dots, stripes, and triangles—rather than floral patterns, which are more common in other cultures, such as in India or the Muslim world.

"When Yemeni Jews immigrated to Israel, they were, in a way, the only ones who had kept most of the henna traditions alive. It required effort on their part because they had to integrate while still preserving their culture; the assimilation process was very difficult for them," says Orah.

Jews from Djerba

The artist explains that henna designs in Jewish tradition are unique, particularly in Libya and Tunisia, where henna art was sometimes applied using specific techniques, such as wrapping thread around the skin to create patterns through resistance.

Orah hosts henna gatherings at her home for women, encouraging them to explore this communal culture and reconnect with this ancestral tradition.

"Last year, on Rosh Hashanah, about 15 women gathered at my home. I taught them the basics and history of henna, and then we painted on each other. It was a truly meaningful experience. I'm trying to revive the tradition of Kurdish Jewish women, where women and their daughters would gather, share sweets, then go to the mikveh, and return home with henna," says Orah.

A Plant Energetically Connected to Nature

Beyond its esthetic and spiritual aspects, Orah emphasizes that henna comes from a plant that, according to tradition, is linked to nature’s energy. The chemical process by which henna stains the skin relies on the attraction of body heat—a phenomenon that, according to the artist, symbolizes a spiritual interaction with the plant. The Hebrew word for henna, "kofer," shares the same root as "kappara" (atonement), reinforcing the idea that henna provides a form of spiritual protection and purification. According to her, henna helps establish a connection with Hashem (God), as every plant contains a divine "spark."

Orah hopes to travel soon to Israel for the first time and meet Yemeni Jews with a photographer, in order to create a photo album. She also dreams of organizing her own exhibition on the heritage of henna in Jewish culture at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

Orah's Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/orahsamba/

Caroline Haïat