Bringing the Congregation Outside

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N. J. – Located on a grassy hill at Temple Emanuel in Woodcliff Lake, N.J., is an example of what can be done when the vision of a landscape designer is combined with a congregation's love and devotion for their Rabbi of 44 years.

The recently completed "Rabbi Andre Ungar Walkway and Garden" has created an outdoor area overlooking the wooded Pascack Valley, for prayer and congregational activities. Borst Landscape and Design of Allendale, N.J., designed and constructed this ambitious and heartfelt project.

A VISION UNFOLDS. “This new addition to our grounds began as a modest project,” explained Phyllis Hickey, the synagogue’s administrator. “We planned to redesign the entrance area outside the Hebrew School at the rear of our building to make it safer for children being dropped off and picked up. We decided to dedicate the area in honor of Rabbi Ungar when he announced his planned retirement.”

The project was expanded when Borst landscape designer Jody Shilan, inspired by the magnificent view at the front entrance to the Temple, suggested a concept for the amphitheater and garden walkways. “I envisioned a special place for people to congregate, pray and learn that would be inspirational and spiritual,” he explained.

The results at Temple Emanuel speak for themselves.

A series of gardens and paths in front of the building are adorned with teak benches and planters. Two side walkways lead to the amphitheater where seating has been carefully placed to face east, the direction of Jerusalem, toward which all Jewish prayer is focused. The walkways and amphitheater floor are constructed randomly of tumbled pavers, providing an old-world cobblestone feel. A small podium made of stone stands in front, against the backdrop of the valley below.

The Hebrew School entrance features a landscaped patio with pavers, benches, an awning to protect the children in inclement weather and decorative shrubs that provide a safe and attractive waiting area for the children. Walkways, teak benches and stone planters are surrounded by colorful flower gardens and shrubs.

The most challenging aspects of the project, according to Shilan, were the designs set in the center of the paver areas: a Star of David in front of the school entrance and a menorah (candelabra) – the synagogue’s logo – at the heart of the amphitheater. “Each of the pavers had to be hand-cut to specific measurements,” he explained. “It was difficult, but well worth the effort.”

Shilan also told Lawn & Landscape that working with an entire congregation, as opposed to one or two homeowners, was another challenge on the project, as well as the time constraints. “We had a very small window to install the project and have it ready for when the rabbi was retiring,” he says, noting that construction began in April 2005 with an early June deadline. “We had designed the project the prior year at about one-fifth the size that it ended up being. Originally, the design was just for the Hebrew School entrance, but the synagogue held fundraising efforts and two large donations really kicked the project into high gear and let us expand the design. We worked closely with the synagogue administrator to make sure the plan included everything the congregation was asking for and that the appropriate people approve it.”

HEART-FELT DEDICATION. As with all their projects, the Borst team devoted tremendous resources to the undertaking and coordinated all aspects from initial design, to construction. They carved the site into the hill; perfected the drainage; cut, set and engraved individual stones and pavers; and installed electrical wiring and lighting. The workers also installed the plantings and continue to provide landscape maintenance.

“We have specialists in each of these fields, and most of our work is done in-house,” said Shilan, who has a Master’s degree in landscape architecture and has been in the landscape design industry for more than 20 years. Founded in 1989, Borst Landscape & Design is an award-winning, full-service landscape design company located in Allendale. The firm has handled several prestigious, large-scale residential and institutional projects.

PRAYERS UNDER THE STARS. After finishing the project, the Temple held a three-day celebration this summer to mark the opening of the Rabbi Andre Ungar Walkway and Garden and the retirement of their beloved leader. The amphitheater seats more than 100 people and extra folding chairs and standing room add to the capacity. In fact, more than 600 people gathered to hear speeches, prayers and dedications. “It was an amazing event,” said Hickey.

The amphitheater has proven to be a popular place ever since. Some groups use it for study, and the congregation has held services there. It is also suitable for weddings, Bar- and Bat-Mitzvah and other life cycle events.

“It’s wonderful seeing people using the space,” Shilan tells Lawn & Landscape. “Even before the project was officially finished, the congregation started holding organized events, and then we attended the dedication to the rabbi with the rest of the congregation, which was very gratifying.” Shilan adds that Rabbi Benjamin Shull, Rabbi Ungar’s successor has told him that it feels as though he’s the one receiving the gift because he’ll be able to use it.

“The project was done in honor of Rabbi Ungar, and it is the kind of gift that keeps on giving,” Rabbi Shull says. “It’s something from which the entire congregation continues to benefit. It’s a beautiful addition to the Temple.”

Because the initial project involved just a modest budget, the Temple organized a fund-raising campaign to build the amphitheater. “Rabbi Ungar is so loved and respected...everyone wanted to do something special for him,” Hickey explained.

The project was privately financed through a fund-raising campaign designed to celebrate Rabbi Ungar. A variety of donation amounts allowed as many members as possible to participate. Some contributions funded specific aspects of the plan, including teak benches, limestone planters, outdoor lighting and the Hebrew School awning. Larger donations funded the entire garden, amphitheater and the hand-carved stonework. One popular donation allowed members to have their names carved into concrete pavers, which were placed in the garden.

The campaign was an overwhelming success. Approximately 500 member families participated, raising enough money to not only pay for the garden and future maintenance but also for other capital improvements. “We were able to fund a variety of other activities and programs for the synagogue,” Hickey noted, “and everyone is so pleased with the result that we are planning yet another phase to improve our property.”

Phase II will create a path and steps that connect the rear school entry plaza with the amphitheater. “We are in awe of what was created here,” Hickey said. “This truly was a labor of love.”

Shilan agrees. “It was wonderful to implement a project that held such great importance and wasn’t just an aesthetic foundation plan and some walkways,” he told Lawn & Landscape. “As designers, it’s nice once in a while to take things that we do and materials we use every day and do it on a larger scale for something so sophisticated. People have told us it feels like they’re in Israel and that’s a huge compliment.”