Pittsburgh synagogue features biblical garden

PITTSBURGH — Biblical Botanical Garden at Rodef Shalom synagogue, 4905 Fifth Ave., is marking its 21st season with the theme “Land of Milk and Honey” as it also celebrates the 60th anniversary of Israel.

The garden has 100 temperate and tropical plants. All plants are labeled and each is accompanied by a biblical verse. The garden is a replica of the Holy Land of ancient Israel and includes a waterfall, a desert, a stream and the Jordan, which meanders through the garden from Lake Kineret to the Dead Sea.

Free tours for individuals are available at 12:15 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month; free group tours to eight or more people are available by reservation only. The garden is handicap accessible. Trained docents conduct tours, which are 30-40 minutes. The garden tour may be combined with a tour of the historic synagogue, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. There is free parking.

The garden, which opened June 1, will remain open through Sept. 15. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, noon to 1 p.m. Saturdays and from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, June through August.

Programs at the garden, which are held rain or shine, are free and no reservations are required. Introduction to the Garden programs are planned at 12:15 p.m. July 2, Aug. 6 and Sept. 3.

Because two-thirds of the plants are Mediterranean or tropical, they must be brought in before the earliest frost and not placed into the garden again until that danger has passed. For this reason, the season is limited to the three summer months.

The garden also showcases plants named for biblical figures. Though these plants were not grown in ancient Israel, a selection has been planted because they are connected to the Bible.

The garden at the synagogue is said to be the only one devoted to the study of horticulture and agriculture of the ancient Near East. A special series of plantings and programs each year emphasizes a different aspect of ancient life and introduces 20 to 30 new plants along with educational displays, literature, and lectures by specialists.

For more information about the garden, contact Irene Jacob, director, at (412) 621-6566 or send e-mail jacob@rodefshalom.org. The Web site is www.biblicalgardenpittsburgh.org.