FAQs
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, Price Hill (UJC, Judah Touro, and Montefiore) and Loveland – Reform Section. 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, children, or other adults with whom they have lived in a relationship similar to marriage, without regard to the gender of the other adult.
Q. How much does a grave cost and are there other fees?
A. Graves in different cemeteries are priced differently and some cemeteries have different costs within the cemeteries, based on locations and restrictions on the type of memorial that can be installed. In addition to the cost of a grave, JCGC charges an Interment Fee for opening and closing the grave. This may be paid for in advance or at the time of need. As prices change over time, please contact our office for current pricing.
Q. What measures are you taking to maintain the rituals and traditions of the 25 cemeteries that are now part of JCGC when it was formed in 2008?
A. Consistent with an agreement reached before the merger went forward, each existing cemetery remains committed to the traditions it has always followed. Our new Loveland Cemetery will be respectfully divided into sections that follow the Orthodox, Conservative and Reform traditions. The ritual governance of all JCGC cemeteries is overseen by a Ritual Coordination Committee comprised primarily of rabbis in the community, with three subcommittees representing Orthodox, Conservative and Reform. The subcommittees oversee halacha 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. 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 may try to sell the plots to an eligible person(s). Please check with our office for details. JCGC charges a transfer fee of $150 per grave. You do have the option of donating the plot to JCGC. JCGC will value the lot at the current market price.
Q: How do I order a monument or marker for my loved one?
A: JCGC will contact family members approximately 2 months after your loved one’s burial with information about how to purchase a monument or marker. If you prefer to contact us before then, you may call the office. We recommend planning on the process of selecting, manufacturing, and installing a monument or marker to take eight months or more. However, in the cold months, we are unable to install foundations for monument and markers and the monument companies will be unable to do inscriptions on existing monuments in the cemeteries. So, please take this into account when planning on ordering and/or scheduling an unveiling.
Q: Can JCGC help me with my genealogy research?
A: Yes! We’re happy to help you with your research. Burial information, images of monuments and markers, and some genealogical information is currently available on our website: http://jcemcin.org/genealogy-2/ If you need additional assistance or to see if we have additional information in our archival materials, please contact our office.
Q: What should I do if I see a monument that has fallen over or other damage in one of the cemeteries?
A: Please contact our office and our staff will address the issue.
Q. Who is responsible for taking care of my family’s monument?
A. Marker, monuments, benches, and mausoleums are the property of the lot owner. JCGC does not assume any responsibility for care, cleaning or repair. If your family monument or markers are in need of cleaning, JCGC charges a reasonable fee for cleaning. Please contact our office. For damage or repairs, JCGC urges a lot owner to contact their insurance company about adding the memorials to their home owner’s insurance policy and having an assessment done to determine if a claim should be filed.
