Holocaust Memorial Sculpture

This sculpture symbolizes a person wrapped in a Tallit, who is no longer with us, but who remains in constant prayer. You are invited to reflect on the 6 million lives that were lost, on the six million people who did not get to live their lives out fully, but whose memories live on and inspire Jews who are living today. The space between the Tallit (Prayer shawl) and the body lets light in, as a reminder that light is the spirit of the people. The Tallit covers and protects. The handprints in the front were embedded by survivors to represent the generations who died and the generations never born to the 1.5 million children who were lost. Touching these handprints allows us to share in the energy of the survivors. It is traditional to mention the names of the deceased in prayer. All of the names of those who perished are included in the letters of the Hebrew Alphabet which are depicted in the form of a flame. The monument sits on broken stones, which represent the order broken forever. But from the dirt in the cracks, new life will come as a symbol of renewal and ongoing order. This monument was commissioned by the Temple Beth Shalom community and created by sculptor Simon Kogan. It was dedicated on Yom Hashoa, May 5, 2005.