Tree of Life

A Contribution for My Congregation
Honoring and Remembering


Student Rabbi Robert Ash and JGH President Rachel Dohme at the dedication of the Tree of Life in 2001
Our Tree of Life today with many more leaves. But not all the branches are filled, and there is always space for more.

Pictured left is the “Tree of Life” when it was dedicated back in 2001. Then it was quite bare and needed “leaves.” As you can see on the right, many leaves have been added since, but we hope you will add even more by remembering or honoring a friend or loved one. The leaves are brass and can be engraved with a personal message.  As we continue to add leaves to our Tree of Life, we will be growing new roots in Hamelin as we work to build a new synagogue to house our community.

The cost of each leaf is $100, quadruple chai: $18 x 4 (plus expenses). Each donation represents the performance of four mitzvot:

  1. A donation to help support the rebirth of Progressive Jewish Life in Germany by building a new synagogue.
  2. The celebration of a simcha or the remembrance of a loved one.
  3. Raising the spirits of Russian Jewish immigrants in Germany who are trying to embrace the beautiful traditions and customs of Judaism.
  4. One mitzvah leads to another!

Suggested Engravings
The gift of new life

  • The birth of a child

  • The birth of a grandchild

  • The birth of a friend's child

The continuity of Jewish Life

  • A Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration

  • The joy of a wedding

  • In recognition of a wedding anniversary
Honoring Others

  • In appreciation of kindness

  • Honoring service to the community

  • To honor a special birthday

  • In honor of a graduation

  • In memory of a loved one

  • In remembrance of a recent death

  • In memory of a yartzeit

May you be blessed for your kindness and generosity.


To order your engraved leaf, please email
jgh@jghreform.org with the following information:

  • Your name and email address
  • The number of leaves you wish to order (minimum $100 per leaf)
  • The text of your engraving.
Please submit your payment by credit card to

  (PayPal membership not required)