On April 7, the Museum of Durham History helped dedicate the seventeenth History Grove, this time at Beth El Synagogue, commemorating the late Rabbi Steven Sager. MoDH History Advisory Committee member Dr. Karin Shapiro and former board member Dr. Steve Channing, pioneers of the History Grove Program, were key to coordinating efforts between the Museum and Beth El. Very special thanks to Beth El Rabbi Daniel Greyber and the Beth El community for their enthusiasm for the project, they truly did the heavy lifting.

Rabbi Sager’s wife, Sabina Sager, was joined at the event by several family members to celebrate the occasion. Longtime friends spoke of Rabbi Sager’s contributions to the Durham’s Jewish community, commitment to building bridges through interfaith work, his love of Durham, and his legacy through the organization Sicha. Speakers included: Duke U. Prof. Emeritus Dr. Eric Myers, former State Sen. Leslie Winner, Trinity Ave. Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Katie Crowe, nominee for State Senate Sophia Chitlik Abram, Mrs. Sager and Rabbi Greyber. Watch the program below.

The Sager History Grove is located in the Amen Garden just outside the Synagogue at the corner of Watts St. and W. Markham Ave., featuring a replica of an ancient gravestone fragment discovered in Germany, enhanced by a special poem, as well as a plaque and bench, that are essential to all Groves. Because of the Beth El community’s hard work to design, landscape and raise funds for this Grove, it ensures this space provides a serene respite for thoughtful reflection in the heart of Durham.