Home › JCANA Forum › Protocols for Vetting Eligibility for Burial
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January 8, 2020 at 6:15 pm #1051
We are working on reviewing protocols for vetting the eligibility of someone who wants to buy a grave in one of our cemeteries. This is becoming an issue as more and more people are transplants to our community and their “pedigree” is less known. Our rules, inherited from the congregations who used own and operate the cemeteries, include such things as only accepting Orthodox conversions for burial in an Orthodox cemetery, for example. I’m curious what questions are asked or protocols are followed when someone wants to buy a grave in a cemetery and they are not well-know to the seller/local community, etc. Please share anything you all use.
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January 15, 2020 at 4:47 pm #1061
Attached is the form that I use when I sell a plot. Depending on the information I receive from them (or their family) and which cemetery they want to be buried in, I’ll ask more detailed questions, i.e. if their spouse is Jewish and if they wish to be buried together, what type of memorial stone they would like and I always give them the Guidelines Booklets for each cemetery so they have all the information on what is and what is not allowed at each cemetery.
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January 27, 2020 at 5:04 pm #1067
Thanks, Sherri. Do you ask about conversion and, if so, what kind of conversion? Do you vet the information they provide?
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January 29, 2020 at 3:03 pm #1068
We don’t ask about conversion, but do confirm that all family members who will be needing plots are Jewish. Our Orthodox cemetery also only works with Jewish funeral homes (all nearby ones – Maine and Mass) are familiar with our rules. I would imagine it would be a bit off-putting to ask for proof of an Orthodox conversion from each potential client, but if your written rules require that, you could start with an apology and let them know why you are asking.
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January 29, 2020 at 4:18 pm #1069
Yes, this is the most challenging and delicate part of what some of the rabbis are asking for. Thank you.
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February 4, 2020 at 9:40 am #1073
We use a Jewish Heritage form along with our sales sheet. I have attached. This gives us the opportunity to find out their lineage to determine eligibility. Once I find out their lineage, I can direct them to the appropriate cemetery and section. You can see the difference between the forms for our Orthodox cemetery vs our more inclusive cemetery.
We do require certificate of conversion from our purchasers. I hope this helps.Attachments:
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March 4, 2020 at 2:17 pm #1100
WHO IS ENTITLED TO INTERMENT
Our RULES AND REGULATIONS for the orthodox section are very specific, that must be signed by purchasers. I have found that asking people outright if they meet the criteria works the best. I hope what is down below can be useful.
Only persons of the Jewish faith at the time of death, and wishing to be buried according to traditional Judaism may be interred in the Abraham section of the Cemetery. Mt. Sinai, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to determine a person’s eligibility for burial within Abraham. Only conversion by an Orthodox rabbi is allowed. Any person who at the time of death was an active practitioner of another religion will not be permitted burial in this section. Mt. Sinai, as it solely deems necessary and appropriate, may seek the guidance and advice of religious authorities to assist in determining a person’s eligibility for burial within Abraham.
• Only Jewish clergy approved by the Cemetery may perform interment services.
• A Jewish Funeral Home must arrange and facilitate all burials according to traditional Jewish custom.
• An all-wood casket must be used.
• Taharah performed by the Chevra Kadisha is required as part of the funeral preparations. -
March 4, 2020 at 2:44 pm #1101
Very good information, Ira. Thank you!
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March 5, 2020 at 9:17 am #1103
Thank you, Anita and Ira! This is extremely helpful. I’ll be sure to follow up as we work through this and post whatever we develop here.
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