End of Life Planning Guide: Section 1C

C. PREARRANGING A CEMETERY PLOT AND FUNERAL HOME

CEMETERY GRAVESITES

While it is not necessary to buy a gravesite or family plot before it is needed, planning a funeral will be easier if this is done in advance. For those who may wish it, Habonim has an agreement for the purchase of plots at Cedar Park Cemetery, Paramus, New Jersey. Cedar Park Cemetery is a Jewish cemetery and only those who at the time of their death were Jewish may be buried there. Habonim members can purchase a single grave or a block of graves for future use. Contact the Habonim office to select a site and find out about payment. The current discounted Habonim member price for a single grave is $1800. You may also fill out a form on Habonim’s website to purchase a grave at Cedar Park. Habonim will issue a receipt and a right of burial.

Your funeral home (see the next section below) will also work with you for arrangements at a cemetery other than Cedar Park.

In considering a cemetery, you may wish to know:

• Are there any additional fees? These may be significant and can cover such items as opening the grave, maintenance, and perpetual care.              
• Is there space available for another family member to be buried in the future?
• What are the limitations on monuments and plantings?

FUNERAL HOMES

New York law requires a licensed funeral director to make arrangements for the care, preparation, and burial of a deceased person. The funeral home will do so in the manner described in this guide when a traditional Jewish funeral has been requested. 

As with cemetery plots, it is not necessary to make arrangements in advance, but it is much less stressful for everyone if you do so. Almost all funeral homes will work with you before the time of need. New York law requires funeral homes to provide an itemized list of the prices and availability of funeral services and merchandise offered. Often available on the funeral home’s website, these become useful building blocks. The websites may also contain additional useful information about Jewish funeral practices.

These nearby funeral homes have been used by members of the Habonim community.

Plaza Jewish Community Chapel, 630 Amsterdam Avenue. (212) 769-4400.

Riverside Memorial Chapel. 180 W. 76th Street. (212) 362-6600.