Minyanaires Garden - A Project of Love

I Love Gardens! Working, designing, or viewing – they engage the senses and the spirit. Minyan led me to our new synagogue garden. I began attending minyan when I was saying Kaddish for my sister. This gave me an opportunity to meet and develop friendships with several congregants with whom I bonded – sharing a time in prayer and coffee (prior to covid). I subsequently began helping the Greening Group, chaired by a true force of energy, Myrtle Lewin.

As I assisted in the garden, we recognized the beauty of the grounds and some of its needs. The entrance way was an obvious need. This space was overgrown with foundation plants impeding the sidewalk. Because of this, the foundation stones of Ahavath Achim's previous buildings, although present, were not fully appreciated or recognized. Low upkeep was most important. In addition, the roots of the 40-year-old hollies extended deep into the ground and a gas line was present.

Where there is a problem, the solution often takes you on a path you would not have otherwise seen. Whenever we travel, my wife, Harriet, and I always go to gardens. Japanese gardens always have a transcendent impact on me. They have a quiet energy and the xeriscape stone gardens seemed to be something suitable for this space. The sidewalk now allows one to have a personal space to view the garden and the Foundation stones' evidence of our past. The large stones seem to echo biblical mountains with the rocks mindful of the desert.

One of my friends commented to me the area reminded him of Israel when he saw it for the first time. The garden is dedicated to "minyanaires past, present and future" recognizing one of the many communities here at Ahavath Achim. I credit Phillip Sunshine for this inspiration. He was the gabbai until recently and has occasionally given comment about our past while always encouraging us to be there tomorrow. To put it in southern-speak, "ya'll come." We would love to see you in person on Thursday morning or evening or on Zoom any day. The garden is now open for viewing to all. Enjoy.