Frequently Asked Questions

What issues should I consider when planning to buy a cemetery plot?

When purchasing a plot, one should consider location, family connection to a specific cemetery and price point.

Does JCAM have interfaith sections at its cemeteries?

Our Centre Street cemeteries in West Roxbury, Beit Olam and Beit Olam East in Wayland, Lindwood Memorial Park in Randolph, Temple Beth Emunah in Brockton and Agudath Achim in Fitchburg all accommodate interfaith families. For more information, please contact us.

Why is it customary to tear ones clothing while in mourning?

“Kriah”refers to the ancient practice of tearing clothes or cutting a black ribbon to be worn on ones clothing. It serves as a tangible expression of grief and anger in the face of death. The child, parent, spouse, and sibling of the deceased perform the act of Kriah before the funeral service begins.The torn garment or ribbon is worn during the seven days of Shiva, the initial seven day mourning period (but not on Shabbat and festival days). Some people continue the practice for the 30- day period of mourning (Sheloshim).

What is proper etiquette at JCAM Cemeteries?

• Please respect visitation hours for JCAM cemeteries. Those can be found in the footer below.
•  Eating and drinking may not take place on the cemetery.
• Please wear appropriate attire.
• Try to avoid stepping over or sitting on a grave or monument.
• Please do not bring flowers or plants to put on the graves but instead use visitation stones.
• No dogs are permitted at any JCAM cemeteries.

Why is it a custom to leave a visitation stone?

One of the most common Jewish cemetery customs is to leave a small stone at the grave of a loved one after saying Kaddish or visiting. Its origins are rooted in ancient times and throughout centuries the tradition of leaving a visitation stone has become part of the act of remembrance. JCAM provides for this custom in our cemeteries by filling receptacles with small stones so our visitors can continue with this ancient custom of remembering.

Are tattoos allowed?

Every Jewish cemetery has the right to enact its own criteria for who may and may not be buried in a Jewish cemetery. Individuals with tattoos may be buried at JCAM cemeteries.