Life Cycles - Death and Dying
IV - Congregation Beth Torah Cemetery
Cemetery Location
Our cemetery is located within the grounds of Hillcrest Memorial Park on Norhwest Highway, between Hillcrest Road and Boedeker Street. We occupy a parcel of ground at the northwest corner of the park, set apart from the main portion of its property.
A gate and driveway leading directly to the Congregation Beth Torah Cemetery are located on Hillcrest, just south of Park Lane, and are open daily from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. At other times, entry can be made through the main gate on Northwest Highway.
Who May Be Buried in the Beth Torah Cemetery
The only persons who can be buried in the Congregation Beth Torah Cemetery are those who are Jewish.
Jewish Law defines a Jewish person as:
1. One who is born of a Jewish mother and has not disclaimed Judaism for another religion, or
2. One who is converted to Judaism.
The only persons eligible to buy a plot in the Congregation Beth Torah Cemetery are members of Congregation Beth Torah, their parents, and their children.
Grave Markers
It is customary to have a marker placed at the head of the grave during the period from thirty (30) days to twelve (12) months after the burial. In accordance with the policy of Hillcrest Memorial Park, upright headstones and monuments are not permitted. All graves are flush with the ground and are covered with grass. Grave markers are also flush with the ground and are made of granite. Individual markers, embracing one grave only, are of uniform size, 12 x 24 inches. Companion markers, embracing two graves, are also of uniform size, 13 x 44 inches. These markers are set by Hillcrest Memorial Park, and there is a fee for this service. You may obtain approved markers through the Beth Torah Cemetery Committee.
Inscriptions and designs on markers shall be in accordance with accepted Jewish tradition. In former times, a tombstone inscription might be an elaborate tribute to the virtues of the grave's occupant. Now, however, simplicity is preferred. Contemporary inscriptions usually include no more than the Hebrew name of the deceased, the parents' names, and the date of death according to the Jewish calendar. In spite of the objections of some authorities, it is almost universally accepted practice today to include the deceased's name in the vernacular (e.g. English) and the secular date of death as well.
A Levite's tombstone often has a ewer (vase-shaped pitcher) carved over the inscriptions, as a symbol of function in the ancient Temple. The tombstones of Kohanim are marked by a carving of hands raised in the Priestly Benediction.
Although there is no legal objection to having a photograph of the deceased on the tombstone, this practice is discouraged today as being out of place in the cemetery. The Veterans Administration provides a marker for all personnel honorably discharged from service in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Unveiling Service
In Western European countries and in the United States, it has become the custom to "consecrate" tombstones with a special service. In the United States, the stone is covered with a cloth, which is removed by the family during the service. This ritual has been called "Unveiling". If an Unveiling is desired, any time after the Sheloshim period ends is acceptable, but approximately one year after the burial is most common. Those wishing to schedule an Unveiling should consult the Rabbi.
Pre-Need Arrangements
Because the death of a loved one is always stressful, and the emotions it evokes are difficult for survivors to deal with, decisions made in advance are always helpful. Advance arrangements for casket selection, type of funeral, etc., may be made with Congregation Beth Torah and/or Sparkman-Hillcrest, or Forest Lawn Funeral Home. All information, including special requests, is placed on a permanent record. Advance payment for funeral expenses can also be arranged if desired. Please contact the Cemetery Committee Chairman for additional information about these pre-need plans.
Rules and Regulations Affecting Burial Sites
The Congregation Beth Torah Cemetery is operated in accordance with Halacha* (Jewish Law) with respect to all ritual matters. In matters other than ritual, policy is determined by Congregation Beth Torah and Hillcrest Memorial Park. It should be noted that Congregation Beth Torah Cemetery is subject to all present and future rules and regulations adopted by the governing body of Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Cemetery visiting hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are allowed, but must be leashed. Private plantings are not permitted at any gravesite, and according to Jewish tradition, flowers are discouraged at a gravesite.
Owners of grave sites can only transfer unused plots back to Beth Torah, not offer them for private sale. If it is determined that a plot has been abandoned, Congregation Beth Torah shall institute steps to transfer its ownership back to the Synagogue.
