FAQs
Q. What measures are you taking to maintain the rituals and traditions of the 22 cemeteries that are now part of JCGC?
A. Consistent with an agreement reached before the merger went forward, each existing cemetery will remain committed to the traditions it has always followed. New cemeteries will be respectfully divided into sections that follow the Orthodox, Conservative and Reform traditions. The ritual governance of all JCGC cemeteries will be overseen by a Ritual Coordination Committee comprised primarily of rabbis in the community, with three subcommittees representing Orthodox, Conservative and Reform. The subcommittees will establish rules relating to their cemeteries or sections thereof, while the full committee will be responsible for coordinating matters that affect the entire community such as considering appropriate divisions between the various sections of multi-denominational cemeteries.
Q. How do you handle pre-arrangements that were made with the cemeteries that became part of JCGC?
A. Each cemetery that became part of JCGC provided us with records of those who had made pre-arrangements, as well as those who had purchased plots, so we are able to honor these as the need arises.
Q. What do you charge for perpetual care?
A. JCGC does not charge separately for perpetual care. We charge for the purchase of the plot, as well as the interment. The cost of perpetual care is included in these charges.
Some of the cemeteries that became part of JCGC charged separately for perpetual care, and we make accommodations in pricing for those who paid perpetual care in advance.
Q. My spouse and I are an interfaith couple. Can we be buried together in any of the JCGC cemeteries?
A. You may be buried together in one of JCGC’s Reform cemeteries, but no rituals inconsistent with the teachings of Judaism may be performed, and no symbols or insignia inconsistent with the teachings of Judaism may be displayed there. The Reform cemeteries are in Clifton, Walnut Hills, Montgomery, Hamilton and Price Hill (UJC, Judah Touro, and Montefiore). Except as delineated for Northern Hills Cemetery in paragraph 12 of Rules and Regulations – Ritual for JCGC Conservative Cemeteries, only members of the Jewish faith may be buried in JCGC’s Orthodox and Conservative cemeteries.
In addition, lots in the Reform cemeteries may only be sold to members of the Jewish faith and their spouses and children.
Q. I have a cemetery plot that I am not going to use. Will the cemetery buy it back from me?
A. JCGC does not repurchase cemetery plots. You do have the option of donating the plot to JCGC. JCGC will value the lot at the current market price.
Q. Who is responsible for taking care of my family’s monument?
A. A marker, monument, bench or a mausoleum is the property of the lot owner and JCGC does not assume any responsibility for care, cleaning or repair thereof. JCGC urges a lot owner to contact their insurance company about adding the memorials to their home owner’s insurance policy.