Representing our wish for peace in Israel and across the world, the Mount Zion Peace Dove came home to Mount Zion in late May, just in time for the Confirmation Class of 2008/5768’s June 8 graduation service.
The class donated the dove as part of the Twin City-wide celebration of Israel’s 60th anniversary. The 5-foot-tall statue was created by Tivoli Too, which is owned by MountZion member Hart Johnson and family. It is one of many doves that were uniquely painted and donated to Twin Cities Jewish agencies and synagogues. The sculptures were on display at the Metrodome and the Mall of America throughout the month of May, before arriving at their permanent homes.
Working with Artist Eli Zimmerman and Teen and Young Adult Activities Director Amy Gavel, the Confirmation Class decided upon the symbolism and meaning they wished to express through MountZion’s dove, then Zimmerman designed it and the class helped him paint it. Unlike any other dove created for the occasion, MountZion’s sits on a mosaic base made of broken glass.
“As Jews in a modern world we still struggle with our turbulent past,” Zimmerman said. “We strive to define what it means to be American Jews, living with comforts and ideas that are not readily accessible in other countries. Our dove, titled ‘Shattered But Not Broken,’ asks the viewer to reflect on our privileges and to redefine what it means to be a Global Jew...
“As Global Jews on the eve of Israel’s 60th Anniversary, we should celebrate Israel by continuing our efforts at repairing the world in all areas, such as Darfur, or ending homelessness and poverty on our own streets.
“Through ‘Shattered but Not Broken,’ we are challenged to decide which of two worlds is in need of repair; the world reflected in the shattered glass, or our own? The light reflected from the shards of broken glass reflects light of hope onto the world. The dove sitting on top of the globe symbolizes the idea that one day we will achieve a unified, peaceful world.”
The Confirmation Class chose to donate the Peace Dove to MountZion because it was visible, impactful and sent a strong message of our community’s desire for peace and love of Israel.
Special thanks to Diane Frichol, who organized and oversaw the Confirmation Class gift and dove painting logistics, to the students who helped paint it, and to the entire class for donating this beautiful piece of artwork to Mount Zion – the families of Chris Anderson, Hayley Bemel, Zachary Brown, Molly Class, Sophie Eisenstat, Heather Ellis, Bryan Folger, Seth Franklin, Zachary Frichol, Alyssa Garr, Alex Helfand, Madelyne Heyman, Rachel Hunt, Lydia Kravitz, Sarah Lund, Hannah Nauen, Hannah Nemer, Joshua Orner, Benjamin Rafferty, Eli Robiner, Samuel Sevett, Miriam Snyder, David Steinberg, Rachel Wilensky and Chloe Wittenberg.
There are many ways to be involved in life at Mount Zion. Mount Zion members find their own niche in myriad ways through service attendance, Torah study groups or other classes, our social justice efforts, choirs, religious school events, or volunteering through a committee. All of these areas are described in our website and who you can contact for more information.
New or Prospective Members:
Would you like to be matched up with a family who can introduce you to other members, share Shabbat dinners or services, and help you to navigate the many activities available at Mount Zion? If so, please contact Ellen Konstan atekonstan@cs.umn.edu to be part of our Chaverim (Friends) program.
