4 – Tree of Life
Original (middle) section installed in 1990, funded by Temple Sinai’s
Endowment Fund
Side sections added in 2008. Gifted by Caryn Bernstein in memory of
parents and Sinai members, Barbara and Wilbert Cohen, z”l
Artist and builder: Timothy Sutherland, Atlanta, Georgia
The large and striking Tree of Life installed on the left wall of the synagogue lobby is one of the first things members and guests encounter upon entering Temple Sinai. Since its addition in 1990, the Tree of Life has provided a meaningful way for Sinai members to commemorate the joy experienced during the simchas of loved ones. It embodies the biblical verse in Proverbs (3:18) which affirms that Torah and wisdom are a source of life, sustenance, and contentment to all who cling to it: “It is a tree of life to those who hold it fast, and all of its supporters are happy.”
Reflection from Lillie Janko:
In 1990, as a member of the Temple Sinai staff, it was a pleasure to work with the congregation’s president, Dr. Milton Deitch, as he planned the design and installation of the Tree of Life. Milton, now of blessed memory, worked with Timothy Sutherland, a young wood sculptor who had just finished his formal education at Georgia State’s school of art.
Milton’s desire was to create a wall installation on which generations of Sinai families could record their family simchas. His plan was so successful that we soon needed more leaves on the Tree. I remember working with Timothy and his wife, Anne, also an artist, in laying out additional plaques on the left and right panels that would complement the middle section.
During my many years of working at Temple Sinai, I saw how members of all ages derived such pleasure from seeing their friends’ names, as well as their own, added to the wall. B’nei Mitzvah students excitedly pointed out their leaves to family and friends. To this day, out-of-town visitors to our synagogue marvel over the beauty and impact of our Tree of Life.
