How did it start?

Several years ago, two local Jewish mothers, Abby Porth and Debbie Findling, who had suffered pregnancy losses began to imagine a place where parents, would-be parents, and others could go to reflect, pray and mourn, and heal in response to their loss. They launched The Memory Garden project in recognition of the importance and value of Jewish memorial space and ritual for grappling with death and loss. The vision of The Memory Garden is the normalization of Jewish community conversation, ritual practice, and acknowledgement of pregnancy loss.

Who can visit?

The Memory Garden belongs to the entire community: couples, individuals, and families who identify as secular or observant; those of all denominations; folks of all genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds; young and old; LGBTQI+ identified; and interfaith families; are all welcome. This is a Jewish space for mourning, remembrance, and healing from infertility, perinatal and neonatal losses.

The Memory Garden is open to the public Sunday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, and closed on Jewish holidays. No reservations are required. Individuals and groups may make reservations for private gatherings by contacting Eternal Home Cemetery 650-755-5236, Sinai Memorial Chapel 415-921-3636 or by email reservation@sinaichapel.org.

What should I do when I get there?

Take a deep breath. Walk through the olive and redwood trees on the path. This space has been created for you. Stand quietly in the round meadow. Reimagining the Jewish practice of leaving a stone at a cemetery, reposition a few of the small stones in the flowing water. Take your time to make this space your own.