Who can be buried at Chesed Shel Emes?
In accordance with Jewish Law, we welcome anyone who is Jewish. Under Rabbinical Halacha, this historically means anyone who was born to a Jewish mother. We equally welcome anyone who has formally converted to Judaism under the guidance of an ordained rabbi where the record of conversion has been properly documented with the archives institution associated with a particular stream of Judaism; including Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and their sub-branches.
Are burial lots still available for purchase?
Yes, burial lots are available for purchase. Members of the Chesed Shel Emes Society are our most important source of funding to maintain our non-profit cemetery, many of whom are descendants of the original community of Jewish families 100 years ago who worked hard to help create and support the cemetery. For this reason, members receive a generous discount on their purchase of a burial lot. Non-members of the Society may also obtain lots but at the regular price.
What am I actually purchasing?
The purchase of a burial lot means that you will receive a deed which grants you “the right of interment” as defined by the Society’s governing documents, rules, and regulations. The lot may be used for the burial of a deceased person of the Jewish faith only, and cannot be sold or transferred by will or otherwise to anyone who is not Jewish. The deed does not transfer the ownership of real estate to the holder, it only grants the right of interment on that lot. For more information please refer to our Prices and Amenities web page tab on the menu bar, or click here Prices and Amenities
How much does it cost?
There is a burial lot pricing structure depending upon whether the deed holder is a member of the Chesed Shel Emes Society. In addition, there are separate fees for opening and closing the burial ground, and for gate access. For more information please refer to our Prices and Amenities web page tab on the menu bar, or click here Prices and Amenities
Are cremains allowed?
The Chesed Shel Emes Society is dedicated to upholding the original mission, purpose, and intent of those visionaries who founded the cemetery in 1912. They were committed then to following our traditional Jewish laws, rites, and customs; as are we today. Although we understand that in our modern society as a whole cremation has become a popular, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to customary burial practices, the interment of a cremated deceased person at Chesed Shel Emes Cemetery is not permitted. While market forces and trends may have persuaded other Jewish cemeteries to concede to this option, we in the Chesed Shel Emes Society are of the mind that to shift our long-held stance and allow the burial of cremains would betray not only our tradition, but each and every person who is currently at rest in our cemetery, and who chose us for their final rest precisely because we promised to uphold and maintain Jewish tradition.
Are inter-faith couples permitted to be buried?
In light of our Jewish traditions and laws, the short answer to this question is no. The Chesed Shel Emes Society is dedicated to upholding the original mission, purpose, and intent of those visionaries who founded the cemetery in 1912. They were committed then to following our traditional Jewish laws, rites, and customs; as are we today. Therefore, it is a cardinal rule that one must be Jewish in order to be buried at Chesed Shel Emes Cemetery. Please refer above to the section on “Who Can Be Buried” for information about what we mean by being Jewish.