JUDAISM IS A TRADITION OF CELEBRATION.
We have an incredible number of holidays when the Torah tells us to “rejoice.” We celebrate lifecycle events – births, namings, birthdays, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, graduations, weddings and anniversaries – with “mazel tov” and singing “siman tovu’mazel tov.”
A leaf on these Trees honors your friends and family and reminds everyone that life’s joys are not to be taken for granted. Life is short, so we need to celebrate, rejoice and feel deep gratitude for all of the blessings of our lives.
Several times a year, a dedication of all new leaves takes place.
Simcha Tree
At University Synagogue, a Tree of Joy—a Simcha Tree—is situated in our Sanctuary to remind us of all the joys of our lives. We invite you to add your loved ones’ simchas to our Tree and share your nachas with our congregation or just add your loved ones’ names out of love.
Tree of Remembrance
In our tradition, we are also taught that love and memory are stronger than death. Judaism gives us the Kaddish prayer, Yizkor memorial services and an annual Yahrzeit to keep us connected to our loved ones. Our Tree of Remembrance reminds us as well, and we have the comfort of seeing our loved ones’ names, as we honor their memories publicly in our congregation. Through us, our loved ones still live. Through supporting our Tree of Remembrance, their values and vision, as well as our own, will live on into the future.
