In observance of the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel, Pikesville’s Beth El Congregation will dedicate a remembrance garden this Sunday morning, Oct. 6.
The garden was made possible by a donation from the recently established Janice B. Altman L’dor Vador Fund.
“This peaceful haven offers a place for our community to gather, remember and find solace,” the congregation said in a statement. “It is a testament to our commitment to remembrance, healing and the enduring strength of our faith and community.”
Located at the rear entrance of Beth El’s campus between the Kuntz Patio and the Mosaic of Belonging, the garden features a walking path surrounded by a variety of white flowers, memorial stones and 245 Israeli flags representing each of the hostages.
The garden will include natural stone benches providing areas for reflection, meditation and prayer.
The garden unveiling will be held rain or shine. Each member of Beth El’s community will be given an opportunity to view the garden and write a personalized message on one of the memorial stones.
The schedule for this Sunday will be at 10:30 a.m. for students and families from Beth El’s preschool and infant toddler program; 10:50 a.m. for Beth El affiliates (Sisterhood, Men’s Club, Seniors, Social Action, Israel Affairs Committee.); 11:20 a.m. for students and families from the religious school (school dismissal will take place on the patio); 11:45a.m. for all members of the congregation and community; and a noon dedication ceremony with remarks from Beth El Congregation’s Rabbi Dana Saroken and Cantor Thom King, as well as Janice Altman.
For information or to RSVP, email Amanda Beitman at amanda@bethelbalto.com.
A committed philanthropist and community leader, Russel was president of R&H Motors.
The mother of four was a native of Winchester, Virginia, who spent most of her life in Northwest Baltimore.
The remaining 6,000 members of the community are expected to immigrate by 2030.
The Columbia resident worked on the Gemini and Apollo space missions.