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What do you think of this proposal? If a family that planned on burying a loved one in Israel has to alter its plans due to the COVID-19 virus and look locally for a grave, with the intention of disinterring and reburying in Israel after the crisis passes, should the local cemetery consider a 50% refund if this occurs within 24 months of the original burial?
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Hi Mike,
This is something that clergy should be involved in as far as halacha on disinterring is concerned. On the cemetery side, what is your policy on disinterment? These are difficult times and I think my cemetery board would be open to allowing the family to disinter and reburying in Israel after the crisis is over, barring it doesn’t financially affect the cemetery. Here, we are not allowed to use the grave again, so we would need to cover the cost of the grave, liner, the opening/closing costs of our caretaker for both the burial and the disinterment, plus the costs of any State permits.
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Mike, I agree with Sherri Quint – we are unable to utilize the plot again. There are a lot of financial implications. Although our cemeteries would most likely be agreeable to a temporary interment, the costs would remain the same as if they were to be buried there forever. I hope this helps.
Lisa Vaeth
JCANA Board Co-Chair
Association of Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Hartford Director- This reply was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by .
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Mike. I concur with Sherri and Lisa. I would consult with the rabbi(s) who would make such a determination, first. I would not be inclined to offer a refund, though I completely understand the instinct. All sorts of things could happen that would prevent it, even with the 12 month caveat. It could also set a precedent otherwise. We also do not re-use graves after disinterment, so it would be a financial loss for us.
David Harris
Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati -
Thank you for your thoughtful comments.
My suggestion at this point is to require full payment for the use of a grave and tell the family we will be open to considering the matter of a 50% refund within 24 months if (a) there are no halachic objections to disinterment at that time from our rabbi and (b) there are no halachic or logistical problems with reselling the grave so that it will not be a net expense to the cemetery.
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