The inspiration for the artistic imagery of The Leadership Wall at Alexander JFS is from the Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers)  3:17 which speaks of the ideal blend of wisdom and good deeds that will yield  strength and resiliency. These are the necessary characteristics of the executive leadership of an agency which has the mission of positively transforming individuals, families and communities.

Alexander JFS has been blessed with executive leaders who have led JFS with professional expertise and compassion. Their portraits and the years of their service are featured on The Leadership Wall which is located in the Board Room of the agency.   Their contributions are acknowledged with this mosaic mural of a beautiful Tree of Life, its deep roots drawing source from the water below. The deep roots represent how we today stand on the shoulders of those who led before us. Water is a traditional metaphor for Torah, a reminder that Jewish values have been the foundation of the agency since its founding in 1913.

Learn more about the executive leadership whose photographs are featured on The Leadership Wall here.

Dianne Sonnenberg is the mosaic artist who created the mural. Her description of the mural follows:

The tree, growing with a gentle curve echoing the mathematical golden spiral, is slightly rounded to enhance the effect of the mosaic. It provides a strong protective presence for The Leadership Wall. The mosaic materials are traditional (Italian Byzantine glass smalti) and contemporary (art glass and fused glass) to reflect timelessness, tradition, and innovation. Beautiful, fused glass leaves were created by Celebration Company artists, as well as by Linda Burger, Mary Jean Weston, Sol Brownstein’s daughter, Yonit, and Ellen and Steve Robinson in memory of their family friend, Ruth Fred. Philip Tenenbaum, Past President, also created a leaf as this mural was dedicated by the agency in honor of his tenure, 2019 – 2021.

Each Celebration Company artist designed their unique leaf out of glass fragments, which were then fired in a kiln to create a smooth, rounded leaf. Look for their names etched into each leaf! These leaves symbolize the beauty, strength, and outreach of Alexander JFS which extends to the greater community, as well as the unique value of each person it serves.

The streaks of varied shades of Byzantine 24k gold tile represent inner beauty and light. This lovely material is made in Venice, Italy, using the same process as their ancestors employed hundreds of years ago. You will notice that they catch the light in the room differently at different times of day. This material is used in sacred spaces across the globe.

The intertwined roots of the tree are strong and reach deeply. The hand-faceted translucent blue smalti catches the light from different angles to convey the experience of water from the stream alive with movement and energy.

Materials: glass smalti, 24k gold smalti tile, translucent smalti, art glass, handmade fused glass leaves on a sculptural hand-carved base with custom tinted mortar and grout. (Size: 8.5’h x 6’w x 1”d)

Facebook: Dianne Sonnenberg Mosaics

Instagram: @diannesonnenberg