GENIZAH
As a community service, JCAM collects, stores, and annually buries thousands of worn-out prayer books, Torah scrolls, prayer shawls, and other sacred materials containing the Hebrew name of G-d (Shemot). The facility where we store these items is called a Genizah, “hiding place.” We treat the materials with dignity and care, and we bury items from the Genizah.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do you bring your items? The JCAM Genizah is located at the Pride of Jacob Cemetery Chapel, 39 Jeshurun Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132. To arrange a drop-off, please contact Jordan Berg Powers at 617-244-6509 ext. 103 or email genizah@jcam.org. Appointments are required. Please contact JCAM in advance to schedule your drop-off
Upcoming drop-off date:
Sunday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
What items are considered “sacred”?
Torah books, Bibles, Scrolls, Passover Service (haggadot), Grace After Meals (benchers), Tefillin, Talitot, Mezuzot, Torah mantles/sashes, and any items that have been in direct contact with a Torah scroll. Pages or papers with Torah portions and/or the Hebrew name of G-d are also considered holy and we ensure that these items are treated with the respect our tradition accords them.
What items are NOT considered sacred?
Anything that does not contain the Hebrew name of G-d. This includes books, schoolwork, and photographs.
Is there a cost?
We ask for an $18 per box or bag donation to help us defray the cost of sorting, transporting, and burying these sacred materials and disposing of non-sacred items.
Click here to make your payment online or you may bring a check made out to the JCAM Charitable Foundation.