BAJC Cemetery
The last life cycle event
The goal of the BAJC Cemetery Committee is to see that you and your family have a beautifully-maintained cemetery and that each family is treated with care, respect, courtesy and sensitivity. We want you to know what we do and to be aware of some concerns that arise when we work with families. Here are some things for you to consider:
The BAJC Cemetery includes Jews and non-Jews
ln the BAJC cemetery one area is designated as interfaith and one as traditional Jewish. Jewish people can be buried in the interfaith section, but non-Jews cannot be buried in the traditional Jewish section. Burial of cremated remains will be in the interfaith section. We allow family plots in both sections; before you choose or reserve a family plot, make sure you understand what this entails.
Costs
Each plot itself ranges from $500 for members and members of their immediate family, $1,000 for extended family and $2,000 for non-members. There are also expenses for the casket, headstone and/or footstone, digging the grave and funeral home services to be met by the family. For non-members, there is a fee for rabbinic services.
Does your family know your burial wishes?
If you’re planning for your own burial, consider telling a family member or close friend of your plans, or whom they should call.
Our community has an active Chevra Kadisha
This is a group of lay people trained in the ancient rights of traditional Jewish preparation for burial. For more information, please contact Julie Strothman at julie@bajcvermont.org.
Do you need more information about Jewish traditions and customs?
Please don’t hesitate to ask our spiritual leader, Rabbi Amita Jarmon (802) 257-1959 or anyone on our committee. Often people don’t know much about traditions related to death and dying until, sadly, they are about to lose a loved one. Don’t put off having candid conversations with your family about this, the last life cycle event. Don’t leave them guessing about what you want them to do. Don’t leave them with the burden of thinking about difficult details and wondering if they are making the right decisions.
Do you want green burial for yourself or a loved one?
The Jewish burial is essentially a green burial for someone since there is no embalming and no vault, and the body is buried in a biodegradable shroud or casket. Footstones are required in the BAJC cemetery, and they are not generally considered part of green burial.
Are you interested in purchasing plots?
Please contact our Committee Chair or other Committee member. (Numbers listed below.) We’re very happy to answer any questions you may have about our cemetery. Serving on this committee is an unparalleled mitzvah. The members love working together and rely on one another when there is an emergency in the community. We’re keenly aware of the holiness of what we are doing and how important it is to the families of the deceased.
Cemetery Committee
Chair, Burt Tepfer 802-246-7227
Sue Lederer 802-254-2402
Norma Shakun 802-490-2310
Cara Benedetto 802-380-5782
Joe Mazur 802-254-9747