BECOME A JCBA MEMBER OR PARTNER CEMETERY
The Jewish Cemetery and Burial Association of Greater Pittsburgh welcomes inquiries from Jewish cemeteries in Western Pennsylvania on memberships and partnerships. JCBA is committed to the proper care and maintenance of sacred grounds, and is devoted to the stewardship of Jewish cemeteries, and Jewish sections within general cemeteries, throughout the region. We endeavor to fulfill the commitments made to our past generations by planning for the future.
To become a partner or member, contact Barry Rudel, JCBA Executive Director at 412-215-9157 or brudeljcbapgh@gmail.com
PARTICIPATING MEMBER — $1,000
JCBA is here for all congregations, communities, independent cemetery boards, individuals, organizations, and all within the Jewish community that desire to utilize our services in whatever way is best for them. This includes abandoned, neglected, and unattended cemeteries. We pride ourselves in prompt response, professional management, and the sensitivity that is required in working with families at end of life, as needed, and on an ongoing basis. JCBA guarantees the continuity that all Jewish cemeteries across the spectrum of the Jewish community deserve regarding existing ritual practices, observances, and customs.
- One day of the JCBA Caretaker’s staff (before July 31), for routine maintenance
- Consultations of the JCBA Caretaker on an ad-hoc basis, and through the JCBA
- Assist, on a consultation basis, the current cemetery leadership and/or lot owners with any issues related to grave and/or monument repairs, plot purchase and/or plot integrity as well as offer to liaison with funeral homes
- Learning opportunities and orientations to overall cemetery management offered, encouraged and available if needed and upon request
- Pre-High Holy Days Memorial prayers, upon request
FULL MEMBER — $2,500
All of the above benefits listed for Participating Members plus:
- Total or partial management, maintenance, oversight, and operations of the cemetery to be discussed on a case by case basis
- Two days of the JCBA Caretaker’s staff (before July 31), for routine maintenance
- Consultation on purchasing and capital improvements, and on capital inspections
- Needs assessment provided upon request
- Special services, specific to the needs of the cemetery, board, and volunteers are available upon request
- Plot Sales, if requested by and in consultation with current leadership
- Accounting services-to be discussed on a case by case basis, and to include bookkeeping, and endowment fund projections
- Sacred Book burials at no additional costs
- Assist with the preservation of archives upon request
- Historical Profile offered
- Quarterly cemetery visits
- Owner retains title, and all assets are maintained separately from the organization’s operating funds
PARTNER* — Assets and funds under management of JCBA
All of the above benefits listed for Full Member where applicable, plus:
- Total management, maintenance, oversight, and operations of the cemetery in perpetuity
- Receiving and responding to any and all funeral inquiries
- Historical Profile developed, posted onto our website, and added to our “Jewish Cemeteries of Western Pennsylvania App”
- Notable Burials researched and cited
- Receptacle and stones placed at the cemetery for visitor use
*Partnership arrangements to include formal agreements, and an annual fee to the JCBA. JCBA, through ownership, operations and management, takes responsibility for the cemetery’s long-term preservation.
JCBA Cemetery Land and Maintenance Standards
The promise made to those who came before us requires that we sustain JCBA cemeteries properly. Maintenance, dignity, and safety are hallmarks as we continue to care for these treasured, tranquil final resting places.
- Grave opening and closing at need
- Resetting stones as needed, or as requested by family
- Foundation installation for new headstones
- Regular grass cutting and trimming
- Snow removal on demand
- Cleared and safe walkways
- Fence, railings, steps and pillar maintenance
- Spring and pre-High Holy Day clean-ups
- Tree, bush, and shrub removal where and when needed
- Beautification
- JCBA staff visits every three months, often with caretaker
- Safety plan review and implementation
- Long-term planning for capital needs
- Proper bidding process for capital projects
- Discussion of Green alternatives
- Security Review and implementation
- Additional standards may apply for specific cemeteries