The passing of a loved one, an event of unimaginable emotional strain, is the worst possible time to begin making the necessary plans. The pain of loss, worries about the future and immediate family concerns overwhelm us and make it difficult to deal with these final arrangements. And also, Jewish tradition holds that burial should take place as soon as possible after a death.
With this in mind we have made arrangements for our members to be buried in
Cedar Hill Cemetery, in Marlboro, Ulster Co. Our section of this cemetery is a
separate part of a large group of plots owned by Congregation Beth Jacob of
Newburgh.
Cedar Hill Cemetery is an interfaith cemetery with gently rolling hills landscaped with flowering trees and shrubs. Families of all faiths are accommodated. We are the third Jewish congregation to have a section there.
Rabbi Gedaliah Druin, a sofer (scribe), repaired our Torah and made it kosher. Based on the style of the writing, he believes that the Torah was originally produced in Eastern Poland about a hundred years ago. The Torah was the very generous gift of a Shir Chadash member who wishes to remain anonymous.