Located on the Goldsmith Campus, this memorial garden will serve as a place of remembrance and reflection. The commemoration on October 7 invites members of Jewish Baltimore to create ceramic poppies of their own. These will be installed in remembrance of those who were killed, create a space for healing and honoring the lives forever changed.

A brief commemoration ceremony takes place at 6:00 p.m inside the 5700 Park Heights building. There will be two workshops to create the ceramic poppies held at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

“Art with a Heart is going to help us make ceramic red poppy anenomes (kalanit),” says Kate. “The one at 5:00 p.m. will be for families and children. The workshop at 7:00 p.m. will reflect on the kalanit’s symbolism of remembrance and resilience. The latter workshop is best suited for adults only.”

Kate hopes to create over 300 ceramic flowers to be installed within the garden.

Both workshops will be attended by the Shinshinyot and Shlichim, (emissaries from Israel) and part of The Associated’s network of agencies. They will help guide discussions about the significance of the poppy and share stories of resilience and hope from Israel as people are creating them.

Yael Biran, Senior Community Shlicha, shared why the poppy is so significant and integral to this event.

“The poppy, Israel’s national flower, holds a special place in the country’s cultural identity. Every winter, the vibrant red blossoms blanket the fields of the Western Negev, transforming the landscape into a symbol of beauty, life and renewal.”

“Since October 7,” Yael continues, “the poppy has taken on an even deeper meaning. Its red petals evoke both remembrance and resilience, honoring those who were lost while reflecting the enduring spirt of the people who call this land home.”

As the flowers return every year, Yael explains, they serve as a reminder that even after great devastation, life can bloom again. New growth can emerge from the deepest pain.

Registration is required for both workshops and strongly encouraged for the 6:00 p.m. community commemoration.

You can visit the event page to learn more about each workshop, where to register and how to contact Kate with any additional questions you may have.