Jewish Geography Across the Miles: From Bronze to Shining Bronze
Pamela L. Berman reflects on the special connection between Temple Emanuel & Temple Beth-El
When I read about the Kurt and Tessye Simon Foundation’s April Scholar-in-Residence program, I was delighted to see we have a unique and meaningful connection of our own to share with our guest, Rabbi Laura Geller, whose upcoming program will discuss “Nurturing Meaningful Connections Later in Life.”
Perhaps when she arrives at the Federation, she will notice the “Tree of Life” sculpture in The Berman-Brenner Family Sculpture Garden. That sculpture was created by my late maternal cousin, acclaimed artist Marilyn Simon.
Fun fact: The only other production of this “Tree of Life,” in the entire world, is at Temple Emanuel in Beverly Hills, Rabbi Geller’s former pulpit! (And where Marilyn Simon’s father was a founding member; and, in addition, where the father of Temple Beth-El’s former Rabbi Morley Feinstein had been Executive Director. Of further note, it was Rabbi Feinstein who officiated at the original dedication of Temple’s Beth-El’s Berman-Brenner Family Sculpture Garden in August 1999.) Temple Emanuel has the first casting, and Temple Beth- El has its later twin.
When I lived in Los Angeles, I attended lovely services at Temple Emanuel. And when my mother, Janet Berman, and I were designing the sculptures for our planned garden, we visited the “Tree” with Cousin Marilyn, fell in love with it and commissioned her to create one for our temple, too. (Later, Marilyn also created the bronze menorah plaque in memory of Rabbi Albert and Rose Shulman, and the stained-glass windows for Temple Beth-El’s former sanctuary.)
The “Tree of Life” at Emanuel is “planted” with its back to the wall next to the front entrance. The sculpture and setting are gorgeous and lush. However, my mother and I first at our former Temple Beth-El location—and now Federation director Moshe Kruger and I at our new Temple-Federation location—designed the garden (in progress) so that we also have the opportunity to see the “Tree” from a 360-degree view, as its back is equally as sweeping and graceful.
Rabbi Geller’s book and the Simon Foundation presentation sound inspirational, and aspirational! And if Rabbi Geller was not already aware, I hope that she will now learn of the unexpected bond between Temple Emanuel and Temple Beth-El.
Beverly Hills and South Bend may not be “Sister Cities,” but we have sister sculptures created by the same family.
May my parents,’ grandparents,’ and Marilyn Simon’s memory be for a blessing.
Pamela L. Berman
Community Contributor
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