This year's program will be officiated by:
| Rabbi Gerald Zelermyer | HAR SHALOM | |
| Hazzan Henrique Ozur Bass | HAR SHALOM | |
| Rabbi Charles M. Feinberg | ADAS ISRAEL | |
| Rabbi Michael J. Safra | ADAS ISRAEL | |
| Rabbi Ari Sunshine | B'NAI SHALOM OF OLNEY | |
| Hazzan Sara Geller | B'NAI SHALOM OF OLNEY |
We have, however, since 2009, refinished the main parking lot, the large traffic circle in Judean, and the lane between Sections Nine and Ten. An unseen, but important upgrade was made to our underground drainage systems (valves) this year, in compliance with state regulation. A more visible improvement is the refurbishing our large sign on Georgia Avenue. Finally, we are still working on the new security (surveilance) systems for the maintenance facility and other areas. A new Columbarium has been installed near the our original (now sold out) unit, under the trees adjacent to Section 5. This handsome, 6 tiered (hexagonal) unit is constructed of solid (warm gray) granite, with polished black niche covers resting on a 6 pointed (star) base, offering 11" x 11" niches.
"Green Zone" (ICC and Georgia Avenue) We are cointinuing to raise the ground level above Section 10, along Georgia avenue, after the ICC exit ramp intersection. The "good news" is that the ICC has apparently finished grading with a resulting, substantial drop-off from cemetery property to the road level - which should help reduce the traffic noise. Less good is the lack of a final landscaping plan from the ICC. This has forced the cemetery to adopt a "wait and see" strategy for our own countermeasures which will include installation of trees, shrubbry, and even possible wall/fence construction. For example, we are waiting for ICC to replace numerous tress that it previously removed along Georgia Avenue - so that we can plan additional trees most effectively. Nor are we certain whether ICC will commence new grading operations for the construction of a walkway/bike path that has been mentioned in the past. When we have confirmation of these plans we will be able to fully implement efforts to reduce possible noise from the planned ICC ramp traffic, as well as the current Georgia Avenue traffic.
We Appreciate You! A huge thanks to our Judean families, for their gracious patience and understanding as we all coped with last year's neighboring construction project. Today we have an impressive new neighbor - and fortunately, a quiet one. It seems the students spend most of their time indoors. We have worked with the School's administration to help create a special "Green buffer area" that will enhance the beauty as well as the privacy and the security of both facilities.
A Pet cemetery for Judean? We are still considering the addition of a special section for beloved pets. This would be located on land unsuitable for human interment - due to a rock ledge - existing near Georgia Avenue adjacent to the (Norbeck) "intermarriage section." We invite feedback from Judean owners on this topic!Photo: Matthews International
Chapel more beautful in bad weather... When the weather turns unexpectedly, the chapel has been there to help families stay warm (or cool) and dry during their services. Convenience is another good reason families are scheduling their services at Judean. Having the Memorial Service and Burial at the same location offers a host of practical benefits for families, including reduced driving time, easier parking and access for your guests, a comfortable, private, Family Room, and more.
Time-Savers No one at the time of need is required to come to the cemetery. Items that must be purchased before a burial takes place can be completed by phone. Charges that are due can be charged by phone. Interment authorizations can be faxed to the family or the funeral home for signature. If a death occurs on the Sabbath, the family or the Rabbi can call the Memorial Counselor or the Director after the Sabbath, for orthodox families in our upright monument monument section we will accommodate next day burial whenever possible if called immediately after the Sabbath ends.
If your Synagogue's sites are located at a cemetery that you find geographically inconvenient, ask about our Synagogue sections.. Many Synagogues own sites at Judean in premium locations, and specially priced for their members. currently have beautiful sections available for synagogues as well as individuals.
Our recently opened Family Estates section continues to grow. The Family Estates consist of 8 to 20 sites per family and a bench with the family name. We currently have beautiful sections available for synagogues as well as individuals.
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