In the middle of a bustling suburban strip mall in Monroe sits an oasis where shoppers can stop and meditate on a bench amid flowers, shrubs, and other plants mentioned in or inspired by the Bible.

The recently planted biblical garden, just outside the Jewish Congregation of Concordia, was a gift from congregants Charles and Gladys Weiss in memory of their son, Barry, who died unexpectedly on April 29 at age 59.

In a Sept. 30 ceremony outside the storefront synagogue in the Concordia Shopping Center, more than 100 people and local leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting and dedication of the new garden.

Cantor Eli Perlman, the synagogue's religious leader, noted the significance of dedicating the garden on the fourth day of the Sukkot festival, when Jews traditionally celebrate the earth's bounty. "At the time of Israel's harvest," he told the celebrants, "you and I have come together with Charles and Gladys Weiss to witness the miracle of our Tanach [Bible] literally coming alive right before our eyes."

The small, colorful, and well-manicured garden features plants mentioned in the Bible, such as holly and rose of Sharon, as well as bridal weed winding around trellises. Other plantings reflect an Israel theme.

A plaque on the bench notes that the garden is dedicated in memory of Barry Weiss, along with his age and town, Beechwood, Ohio, a Cleveland suburb.

Charles Weiss said the plaque was intentionally placed in an inconspicuous spot.

"We did not want it to be a reminder that this was a memorial," he said. "We want people to be able to come here and sit quietly in the middle of this shopping center. We think it really beautifies the shopping center. My other son, Jerry, when he comes down, likes to come here and sit."

Jerry Weiss, of White Plains, NY, said he has found comfort sitting in the garden, despite surroundings that include a supermarket, drug store, and liquor store.

"I not only think about my brother, but find it a place of tranquility where I and the community can just have a peaceful moment," he said. "It provides a chance to sit down and reflect not just about the beauty here, but about what it means to the temple and community at large."

Monroe Mayor Richard Pucci, who spoke at the dedication ceremony, said the garden was a reflection of the Weiss' positive outlook on life.

"Every time you see Gladys and Charles, they are always upbeat and smiling," he said. "Obviously losing a son, as a parent you can never get over that. But typically they chose to remember Barry by giving this beautiful garden to all the families in this congregation and to the residents of Monroe. We appreciate it."

Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein (D-Dist.14) cut the ribbon surrounding the garden.

"It's such a wonderful linkage to our Judaic heritage to have this storefront synagogue and suddenly see spilling out from it the beauty of the Bible right onto the sidewalk," she said. "To lose a son in such an untimely way and keep his memory alive through a living garden is such a wonderful linkage."

Among the other officials participating in the ceremony were Monroe Council president Gerald Tamburro, Councilman Irwin Nalitt, Councilwoman Leslie Koppel-Egierd, and Seema Singh, the Democratic candidate for state senate in District 14.

Perlman said the idea for the garden came to the Weisses several years ago following a congregational mission to Israel where members toured Neot Kedumim, the biblical garden located halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

For the planning of the garden, Charles Weiss said, he turned to Rutgers University, where experts provided advice on soil testing and which biblical plants would grow well in New Jersey's soil and climate. He then received permission from the property's manager, Richard Anderson, to plant the garden.

Gladys Weiss said the garden would continue to be a work in progress with new plantings planned for next year.

Perlman concluded by leading the gathering in prayers thanking God for the plants and animals of the world.

"This ancient biblical garden will continue to live and remind us that life is eternal and that ‘the righteous will flourish like the palm tree and will grow mighty like a cedar in Lebanon,'" he said.