Landscaping Committee Covers New Ground — Bet Shalom Congregation

By Michael Siskin and Mara Locketz with Eric Bressler

For years Bet Shalom had an active Landscaping Committee. A few years ago participation waned and the committee went dormant. But it was revived last year! Here is a recap of my Q&A with Bet Shalom congregants Michael Siskin and Mara Locketz, its new leaders. - Eric

Tell our congregants how the current version of the Landscaping Committee was started.

Michael: It all started with Bet Shalom’s Congregation Interest Survey in January 2025. Both Mara Locketz and I expressed interest and became the two-person Landscaping Committee and crew. We assessed the beautification needs and priorities of the grounds. Then we spent many summer days digging up and transferring plants from our homes and from our neighbors, shopping at numerous nurseries, and getting dirty in the ground at Bet Shalom.

Who is on the Committee? Do you have previous landscaping experience?

Michael: I have many years of landscaping interest and expertise in plant matter, hardscapes, and design!

Mara: We wouldn’t have much to show for our work if it wasn’t for my love of flowers and passion for color!

Michael: It was really pure teamwork that led to our success. It was hot outside, the bush we cleared was heavy, and Mara helped push both of us to keep at the work, drink fluids, and show progress.

How has working together created new relationships or deepened existing ones between the participants?

Michael: Mara and I became great friends, and we certainly enjoyed the landscaping and hard work aspect. However the real richness and joy of our time spent together came as we discussed Jewish topics while working on Bet Shalom’s beautiful grounds, and of course family matters and “Jewish Geography.” Many conversations were so profound that Mara suggested they do a live Podcast series, maybe called ”Real life lessons and discoveries while gardening at shul.” Michael continued, “We both agreed that planting, watering, and nurturing were not just physical acts, but also metaphors for our hands-on efforts to help the congregation thrive and grow. Our friendship also grew because we watered it, fed it, and added curiosity and color with the stories, ideas and advice we shared.

What was the state of the landscaping at Bet Shalom when you started? What work have you done so far?

Michael: The synagogue has significant amounts of planted areas that had not been weeded, trimmed back, or refreshed with new plant matter for years, and many did not offer any color at all. These areas include the [circle] garden with a water feature and sitting area near the main entrance and drop-off turnaround, the bench across from the turnaround, the Holocaust Reflection Garden to the northwest of the campus, the main Bet Shalom entrance monument, and plants within the parking row dividers. We removed many overgrown and invasive plants, trimmed back many bushes, removed weeds and planted about 50 perennials in these areas. We also added colorful annuals to the garden near the synagogue’s front doors. We spent a lot of time power washing bricks, stones, the water feature, and other monuments to remove grime, dirt, and moss.

Doesn't Bet Shalom already hire a company for some of the landscaping? What do they do?

Mara: Bet Shalom has third parties that cut the lawn, fertilize, provide a fall clean up, and oversee the outdoor irrigation system. They don’t touch any of the “planted areas” and do not help with the areas left to go wild, such as by the pond in the front. That is where team Locketz and Siskin dove in!

Do you need additional volunteers? What would they do, and what's the commitment?

Mara: Rebecca Reich expressed interest in the Landscaping Committee at the end of last fall, and she will be a valuable addition to the team this spring.

Michael: We would love more volunteers! We have two opportunities. First, if anyone is interested in joining the Landscaping Committee with Mara, Rebecca, and me for on-going landscaping planning and help, please reach out to the Bet Shalom office staff. Second, we will host a “Plant-A-Thon” this spring; congregants and their families can sign up. We are really excited about this fun day of activity for the members to bring over specifically identified plants and then dig, plant, and get dirty! Your efforts and plants will soon become a living part of our Bet Shalom campus for all to enjoy!

What are your plans for the landscaping going forward?

Mara: The garden next to the synagogue’s main doors needs more work to pull up undesirable and overgrown plants and refresh with colorful, deer- and bunny-resistant perennials. We will add color with annuals in and around the garden, benches, and a water feature in the middle. The Bet Shalom entrance monument has been improved, but more work is needed to make it exceptional. Trimming, weeding, and clean-up efforts are on-going needs.

Samantha Kushins, a teenager at Bet Shalom, is leading an extensive makeover and improvement project for the Holocaust Reflection Garden as part of her Eagle Scout Service Work project. She has designed plans, has a team in place, and will show her leadership skills with this important and creative effort.
Michael: We’re looking forward to getting caught up with each other and meeting new people at the Plant-a-Thon. A lot has happened in Israel and the world and with our families since last fall. There will be a lot of new topics to discuss with shovels in our hands this spring at 13613 Orchard Road.