Jewish Burial Rituals

SOUTHBURY — Why are Jewish people buried in a plain pine box? What’s the story about all of those rocks on the top of the gravestones?

The Jewish Cemetery Association of Greater Waterbury will host a forum on Jewish burial Wednesday, October 13, at 7 pm, at the Walzer Family Jewish Community Campus, 444 Main Street North. The evening will include a panel discussion moderated by Leo Goldberg and including Rabbi Eric Polokoff of B’nai Israel Southbury, student Rabbi Eliana Falk of Beth El of Southbury, Lissa Lovetere-Stone of Munson-Lovetere Funeral Homes, John Ford of Alderson Funeral Homes, and James Kitchens of Ciarlo Monuments.

The evening will provide answers to many questions surrounding a Jewish burial. There are specific rites and rituals to follow and prior knowledge about how to handle these specifics will be of value when the time comes to bury one’s loved ones.

The evening is free and open to all, but reservations are required and can be made by calling Leo Goldberg at 203-574-2206.

The Jewish Cemetery Association of Greater Waterbury is the successful merger of the eight Jewish cemeteries in Waterbury and Morris. Thanks to the efforts of many, the association is able to serve the local Jewish community efficiently and with dignity.

Also because of the merger there now is a comprehensive record of the interred based on the knowledge that was available at the time of the fusion. The information is being updated regularly.