Mishkan Shalom Arboretum

Located in the Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia, the property, once a felt factory, is now a Reconstructionist synagogue.

Mishkan Shalom is a progressive, spiritual Jewish community that is radically welcoming and deeply caring, where we live our values and work to repair the world. The Arboretum is a place of respite for Mishkan Shalom members, for the at-risk youth who attend school on the property and the public.  An allee of  Hawthorn trees provides a canopy over the walkway into the synagogue, welcoming visitors. The amphitheater, a feature of the arboretum that is ringed by trees, accommodates classes, services, meditators and picnickers -- anyone in search of a green respite.

At the bottom of the amphitheater a daylighted creek is shaded by bald cypress trees. Unique in  Philadelphia, these trees have begun sending up their famous “knees”.