RULES AND REGULATIONS
With the exception of the Inclusive Section (section 7) of the cemetery, burial in the cemetery is restricted to Jews only. A Jew is defined as someone born to a Jewish mother or who has converted to Judaism and who has not adopted another religion. The family member or other person arranging for the burial may be asked to certify in writing that the deceased person was a Jew
The cemetery will be guided by Jewish law (Halachah). Any questions of the Interpretation of Halachah will be determined by the Board of Trustees, after consultation with such rabbis as the Board may choose.
By purchasing a lot in the cemetery, the family agrees to be bound by the decision of a Bet Din chosen by the board of Trustees to resolve any dispute and the family specifically agrees to the jurisdiction of the Bet Din. The family further agrees that a decision of eh Bet Din shall be enforceable in the civil courts in the same manner that the civil courts may enforce the decision of an arbitrator.
Upon the occurrence of a death, the family or the funeral director is requested to contact the executive director of the Chevra Kadisha. If a cemetery lot has already been purchased, the executive director will check the records to confirm that fact. Arrangements for opening the grave is the obligation of the funeral director selected by the family of the deceased and is to be advised to contact the executive director for confirmation of the burial site. If a lot has not been purchased, the executive director will make arrangements to meet with a member of the family to pick a lot. No burial shall be permitted until payment in full for the lot has been made
Burial should be in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Jewish faith. In these rules, the Chevra Kadisha has attempted to set forth the basic traditions and customs regarding burial procedures and urges the community to follow these traditions and customs. The Chevra Kadisha is available to provide additional information and guidance for families interested in obtaining additional information regarding Jewish law and customs.
The Chevra Kadisha recommends that the body of the deceased not be left unattended, but be watched by a Shomer (guard or sitter) at all times. The Chevra Kadisha has individuals who perform this service and arrangements may be made through the funeral director. There is a fee to be paid to the individual which is paid through the funeral director.
The Chevra Kadisha recommends that the body be cleaned by Tahara ritual washing. The Chevra Kadisha has individuals to perform this service for both men and women which can be arranged through the funeral director. There is a fee to be paid to these individuals which is paid through the funeral director.
Embalming is not required and is discouraged.
Viewings are not required and are not customary.
The use of a coffin is encouraged but not required. It is recommended that the coffin be constructed in accordance with Jewish tradition, in that it be made of wood and have wooden pegs rather than nails or other metal parts.
It is a Jewish custom that the deceased be buried in a shroud and the Chevra Kadisha recommends that a shroud be used. A deceased may also be buried in a Tallit. The Chevra Kadisha can obtain these and provide them to the funeral director if requested.
Vaults: A vault is required and a special vault has been developed to comply with Orthodox standards. Only that vault may be used. The charge for the vault will be assessed by the funeral director.
Minyan: It is customary to observe a mourning period (Shiva) during which a minyan should be arranged each evening. The Chevra Kadisha is available to provide a minyan if requested by the family.
Monuments: A list of restrictions has been established for monuments and is attached hereto. (In addition to these restrictions, Jewish custom does not favor photographs or drawings on the monuments)
Flowers are not customary at a Jewish funeral or upon the grave, but are not prohibited.
No plants, shrubs or bushes of any type may be planted on or near the graves.
Transfer of lots: Restrictions on lot transfers are contained in the by-laws. No transfers of lots permitted (including those by will or intestacy laws) except to persons related by blood or marriage and who are Jewish. A person may transfer his or her rights in a lot to the Chevra Kadisha as a charitable donation.
Visitation: Visitation is not appropriate on Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the festival days of Sukkot, Pesach, and Shavuot.
Cremation: The Chevra Kadisha will not participate in arranging any cremation and the Chevra Kadisha strongly discourages cremation. Burial of intentionally cremated remains in the cemetery is forbidden, but burial of accidentally burned remains (e.g., caused by a house fire or automobile accident) is permitted.
Groups of lots may be reserved. At least one lot must be paid for each year, and all reserved lots must be paid for in six years. For example, if six lots are reserved, one must be paid for each year. If ten lots are reserved, two must be paid in year one, two must be paid in year two, two in year three and two in year four, and at least one in year five and the last in year six. If payment is not made for a reserved lot within 60 days of the billing date, the reservation will no longer be held for that lot or any other reserved lots. Reserving a lot does not hold the price and if there is a general price increase, any lots paid for after the effective date of the price increase must be paid for at the new price.
Payment for Lot: A signed application by a family member or other person for the purchase of a lot and payment in full for the lot is required before burial is permitted.
Erection of Monuments: No monument may be erected unless all fees previously due and all fees related to the erection of the monument are paid.
Repairs: In the event, it becomes necessary to repair or reconstruct any headstone, foot marker. monument or any other adornment which may have been damaged by the elements, an act of God, thieves, vandals, malicious mischief: or other unavoidable accident. The Chevra shall give a 30 day written notice of the necessity for such repair to the owner of record or known next of kin, to be sent by ordinary mail addressed to him or her at his or her last known address on the books of the Chevra. Upon the failure of the owner or next of kin to make the repair within such 30 day period, the Chevra may direct repairs to be made and charge the expense against the owner of record or the next of kin.
No cremation is permitted under Jewish law. The Chevra will not participate in arranging any cremation and the Chevra strongly discourages cremation. Burial of intentionally cremated remains in the cemetery is forbidden, but burial of accidentally burned remains (e.g., caused by a house fire or automobile accident) is permitted.
Groups of lots may be reserved. At least one lot must be paid for each year, and all reserved lots must be paid for in six years. For example, if six lots are reserved, one must be paid for each year. If ten lots are reserved, two must be paid in year one, two must be paid in year two, two in year three and two in year four, and at least one in year five and the last in year six. If payment is not made for a reserved lot within 60 days of the billing date, the reservation will no longer be held for that lot or any other reserved lots. Reserving a lot does not hold the price, and if there is a general price increase, any lots paid for after the effective date of the price increase must be paid for at the new price.
Payment for Lot: A signed application by a family member or other person for the purchase of a lot, and payment in full for the lot, is required before burial is permitted.
Erection of Monuments: No monument may be erected unless all fees previously due and all fees related to the erection of the monument arc paid before the erection of the monument
No benches may be donated or placed on the cemetery grounds that may interfere with ground care or grave openings.