Northbrook's Congregation Beth Shalom delivers unique mosaic to Highland Park neighbors

Members of Northbrook's Congregation Beth Shalom recently demonstrated - quite literally - that they are sticking with the people of Highland Park.

Beth Shalom Rabbi David Chapman and Mitzvoh ("commandment") Committee Chairperson Fern Roseman delivered a memorial mosaic made from decorated Popsicle sticks to Ross's, 625 Central Ave., in Highland Park.

The creation will be on display at Ross's for several weeks.

Beth Shalom congregants made the mosaic during a Community in Unity event held July 12 at the synagogue, 3433 Walters Ave., Northbrook. The event consisted of music, prayer and calls to action in commemoration of the seven people killed and dozens injured in the July 4 shooting as residents lined Central Avenue to watch the Independence Day parade.

The mosaic created that day was meant to symbolize summer fun, an attempt to add a spark of beauty back into the world, a Beth Shalom spokesperson noted. The Popsicle sticks are colorfully decorated with symbols and positive messages.

"Jewish tradition teaches that when beauty is taken from the world, it's our obligation to try to add some back," Chapman stated in a Beth Shalom release.