Murray Davis and his colleagues on Temple Beth Abraham’s “Next Big Thing” committee had a vision for a one-acre parcel of land attached to the synagogue. They hoped to turn it into a tranquil courtyard, a kind of urban oasis in the middle of Oakland.
On June 5, more than three years after Davis’ death at age 57, about 300 people gathered in the Conservative synagogue’s newly completed 2,600-square-foot Murray Davis Courtyard to celebrate the fulfillment of that vision.
The $3.5 million project features stone walkways, park benches, artificial grass and a waterfall that doubles as a sound barrier wall. Eventually as part of the landscaping, it will also include a biblical garden with plants mentioned in the Torah.
“It really is an everlasting light that he shines on us forever,” Rabbi Mark Bloom said. “The courtyard unifies and opens up the campus. You can get from the preschool to the social hall along these beautiful steps in ways you never could before.”
Bloom said Davis’ wife of 23 years, Virginia Schwab Davis, wanted to do something to honor her late husband. She and her family, including her father, stockbroker Charles Schwab, donated the lead gift of nearly $800,000. The rest of the funding came from TBA congregants and board members.
At the inaugural event, congregants honored Davis by playing his music. Bloom and the in-house TBA rock band performed “The Everlasting Light,” a song Davis wrote for the synagogue’s 100th anniversary in 2007, while the temple children’s choir performed Davis’ setting of “Mi Chamocha.”
Bloom said he plans to hold outdoor Kabbalat Shabbat services in the courtyard this summer.
“Its primary use will be for kids running around and playing ball,” he said. “To me this courtyard links the past and the future. It turns sadness into beauty and links the memory of my good friend with the bright future of the congregation.” — dan pine