The concept of this garden is to create an inspiring passageway from the outside to the inside of our sanctuary. As congregants walk down the Circle Island path they will pass between monumental vertical stones from which water flows into a small pond. The scene evokes images of Moses drawing out water from the rock. The sound of the water and smell of flowers and the towering surrounding "mountains" have a special sensory impact. There are sitting rocks and benches in this small, special space and perhaps even a corresponding flame. Boulders will remind us of the landscape of Israel. This "oasis" of beauty is like a passage between walls of water, from unholy to holy to the promise land of the Temple of our community. The space will be designed to continue to hold our Succhah and at other times could be used for small classes, meetings and rituals. It will become the backdrop for special family photos and memories. It would be wheelchair accessible. One of the boulders would serve as the holding place for our synagogue Time Capsule. There will be possibilities for sculptural pieces in the future. The space will have special lighting for nighttime viewing.

If your family has a passion for the land, or for more information, please contact Claude Riedel, Landscape Chair at riede006@umn.edu.