Hanukkah Mural Unveiled on Queens Campus 

Students, faculty, and staff recently gathered at the foot of the Evans Clock Tower for the unveiling of two Hanukkah murals created by Mike Wirth, associate professor in the art, design, and music department.  
 
“This is one of my favorite traditions at Queens because it gives us a chance to bring all of our communities together around light and unity,” said Wirth. 

Working closely with Queens University Hillel president Chava Rosenberg and Shira Snyder, Belk Chapel’s coordinator of Jewish Life, Wirth created a tree-shaped menorah on one side and a pomegranate with a peace-sign on the other. The murals are entitled “Queens Hillel Menorah Mural” and “The Peace Pom.”  

“This year’s Hanukkah murals of unity that stand at the center of our campus are inspiring,” said Rabbi Judy Schindler, Sklut Professor of Jewish Studies. “Many hands and many hearts enabled our Hanukkah menorah murals to shine with beauty.” 

The artwork represents a powerful symbol of inclusion, diversity, and unity, and reminds us of the importance of celebrating different cultures and traditions.   

“It was important for us to invite all of the diversity and interfaith clubs to join us as we gathered to celebrate Hanukkah,” said Rosenberg. “It was an amazing opportunity to share what each of our winter traditions mean to us, whether it be Hanukkah or other traditional or religious celebrations. Each flame on the menorah was painted by a different diversity club.” 

The menorah is surrounded by the unique handprints of members of the Queens community, resembling leaves falling off of a tree. The vibrant pomegranate represents love and hope for a fruitful future in the Jewish faith. The peace sign at the heart of the design reinforces a collective yearning for peace on Earth. Surrounding the pomegranate is the word “peace” in several of the languages spoken by members of the Queens community. 

“The idea for the murals was for it to be a window into the work we do at Queens. The Menorah Tree facing into campus, topped with the lights from our diversity clubs, represents the growing together and nurturing that Queens fosters for its students,” said Snyder. “The Peace Pom, facing away from campus, is supposed to be what the greater Charlotte area sees when they look at Queens and the work we’ve been doing to create unity.” 

The mural will be on display throughout the month of December.