OOPS! Just as it seemed we had dodged the 2012 hurricane season, out of nowhere spins up ... "Sandy" - a weather anomoly labeled "superstorm" by many. We braced for the worst, and yet, fortunately, were spared much of the feared destruction. In fact, we happily report the park lost not a single tree!
Thus, today, as she (he? it?) fades into local weather history, we look forward to a few more beautiful (if somewhat less "leafy") Autumn days ... at least until mother nature unveils her next "surprise!"

High Holiday Service: This year's "Kever Avot" will commence on September 8TH at 10:30 am. The event will be staged on the high, grassy area adjacent to (and including) the chapel parking area.

Thanks to all who were able to join us last year, and we hope to see you again at the 5774 event. The service is typically held on a Sunday morning that falls between Rosh Hashanna, and Yom Kippur. The service, including song and prayer, is deliberately brief, allowing more time for graveside visitation.

If a list of officiating rabbis does not appear below, please check back - it will be updated as information is available.

Random Projects for 2012 continue: most recently the Chapel Family Room received much needed new carpeting. The specialized tree care continues: "culling" heavy high growth, which expose the tree to high-wind limb losses. This should see (finally!) completion of the "berm" under construction to help insulate the cemetery from the sights and sounds of the ICC passing to our south. The birm will be topped with trees, effectively replacing those so thoughtfully removed by the ICC.

Website enhancements are finally underway! One example is the recent addition of the "Locate Your Loved One" search tool that enables users to identify and locate individuals interred in Judean or the interfaith sections. (Tool can be accessed in the menu bar on each page). Additionally, we will be expanding existing, and adding new content regarding end-of-life, mourning, memorialization, and other topics, including certain Jewith holidays and traditions that touch the cemetery in some way.

Work Zones There are two areas currently under contruction in Judean. One is the construction of a tree-lined berm designed to "insulate" the park from the ICC now passing to our south. The berm is a man-made "ridge" rising six to eight feet in height, and running the length of the planned Section 16; which lies at the South end of the cemetery just beyond sections 15, 14, and 12. A number of (ICC-donated) Norwegian Spruce saplings have been installed; however we are considering the use of faster-growing White Pine trees in their stead. Construction is well underway with the berm construction due for completion this winter, and the tree installations completed by Spring 2013.

The other project is the gradual build up of the area adjacent to Section 10, and Georgia Avenue. This is essential to insulate the cemetery from the impact of the increasingly busy Georgia Avenue corridor. This project is due for completion by mid 2013, and the result will be a smooth, continuous "hillock" running along the back of Section 10 (the "upright marker section"). The completion of this work will also enable the cemetery to make available several new rows of upright markers.

We Appreciate You! A huge "thank you" goes to our Judean families, for their gracious patience and understanding in coping with these projects, as they have done in the past, when we were "plagued" by neighboring construction projects. While our internal projects are not producing so much noise, per se, we realize that they do disturb the visual beauty of the cemetery. We can only promise that we would would not embark on any such projects, were we not certain of a final result that will justify the sacrifices endured - with the larger benefit going to those whom are making the larger sacrifice (i.e. those owning sites nearest the work zones).

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.
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.
Looking ahead: Judean has experienced steady growth since our inception in 1975, reaching a "half-way point" of development with the millinium. Today, our long range developement plan, with developed, as well as undeveloped lands, works to assure availability for decades to come.

NEXT: Jewish burial traditions