Cemetery

According to our Constitution, the Cemetery Committee runs as a separate independent entity charged with attending to the burial of persons in accordance with our Faith. Funds are kept separately from the WJCC and are carefully invested so as to ensure that we meet any expenses- current and future. The WJCC is a Conservative Congregation and the WJCC Cemetery has its own ByLaws and Guidelines for burials, monuments and traditions.

Everyone on the committee has a job that overlaps everyone else’s job. Each member jumps in and does what needs to be done at an instant’s notice. These men and women, who are appointed by the Congregation President, would just say they are doing their job and filling in for someone else. Yet every aspect runs so smoothly that each bereaved family has the support it needs.

Several areas of perennial plantings add color and definition and create an atmosphere of serenity. Benches and shade trees create areas for quiet meditation. With landscaping and diligent oversight by our Cemetery Committee, the entire cemetery reflects a peaceful interlude.

The first person buried there was a twelve year old boy. His mother created a scholarship which the Board of Trustees continues yearly. In memory of Steven Rosen, an award is given to a promising fifth grade math student attending the local elementary school. His parents have now joined him in the all-Jewish section.

A large separate section is dedicated to the burial of families with interfaith marriages. In August 2004, after a great deal of research and careful thought, the general membership of the Center voted to expand our cemetery to include an Interfaith Section in addition to our Traditional Section. Although it is an Interfaith Section , it is still considered part of our Jewish cemetery and the guidelines for our Jewish cemetery must still be followed.

Anyone wishing to discuss purchasing a plot in our cemetery may speak with any member of the committee. Plots can be reserved and pre-planning can be done far in advance and individuals are encouraged to do so. Having arrangements made in advance saves the loved one’s families much stress and lessens the burden on families later on.

Our prices are among the lowest in Orange County. For members of the WJCC Congregation in good standing for the previous 3 years and current with their dues, the current fees are as follows: a single grave site is $300, a required one- time fee for Perpetual Care is $500, and a deposit for the gravestone is $1,000 totalling $1,800 for a Congregation member. (A fee which is currently $850 or the opening and closing of the grave is not due until the date of internment.)

The cost of a gravesite for a nonmember is $900, a one-time fee required for Perpetual Care fee of $500, and the deposit for the gravestone is $1,000.Total cost for non-members is $2,400. (Opening of the grave site currently has a fee of $850 due at the time of internment.)

If the synagogue is to be used for a Mourners Meal there will be a fee for the use of the synagogue.

With the kindness of neighboring synagogues and their chevra kadisha to perform the taharah for our loved ones , we are able to make sure that our loved ones are treated with the utmost dignity and respect.

Please volunteer your free time to help.

As you know, burials need to be done in a timely manner. There are opportunities for people to direct traffic, set up chairs, make a minyan for shiva, assist with the maintenance of the landscaping etc.

Call any member of the committee and give times or dates that you are available.

Chair, Pam Carroad, Cell Phone (845)505-5878.

WJCC Cemetery Address: 1577 State Route 52, Walden, NY 12586.

WJCC Cemetery Committee members: Lauren Mandel, Joseph Herzog, David Jalazo, Fred Nelson, and Jane Friedland