A SPECIAL MEMORIAL

Memorials are to remind us. Of loves lost. Of deeds done. Of times survived. Memorials serve many purposes. This one, Roots of Life, intends for us to deeply ponder the past AND inspire future generations to never forget.

 

During Nazi Germany’s reign in the 1930s and 1940s, 11 million people were killed. Some were killed “because” they were disabled, homosexual, not politically affiliated, considered a non-grata race. 6 million of those killed were Jews.  

 

When Congregation Beth Shalom realized there was no Holocaust memorial in Los Angeles’ Santa Clarita Valley, purpose was born.

 

Choosing Granville as the artist seemed unusual. His forté is abstraction and he is not Jewish. And maybe that was the point. We are all human. In fact, as creative discussions ensued, everyone involved learned, grew close, and found shared meaning, resulting in exactly what this memorial is about: building –not destroying– community. 

 

As you take in this memorial, note that the ancient tradition of gematria (Jewish numerology) has been honored, mostly with 3, 6, 7, 18, 30. There is powerful symbolism in these choices. Secondly, touch is powerful, and Roots of Life is meant to be touched. Pull on the broken chains, caress the tracks, remember the special things we all share as humans, and let's honor them in our life choices.