Frequently Asked Questions

The synagogue itself does not sell cemetery plots. Instead, this responsibility falls to the Congregation Agudath Israel Cemetery Association, an independent entity dedicated to providing cemetery plots to our synagogue members. This Cemetery Association has been operational nearly as long as the synagogue has existed. ​ Buying cemetery plots is easy. Just contact us (https://www.agudathcemetery.org/contactus)to get the process started.

The Cemetery Association does not maintain a standalone cemetery; instead, we own blocks of burial plots within three prominent local Jewish cemeteries. These cemeteries are Menorah Cemetery,(https://www.agudathcemetery.org/menorah-cemetery) the Jewish section of East Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clifton; King Solomon Memorial Park,(https://www.agudathcemetery.org/king-solomon) also located in Clifton; and New Mount Zion Cemetery,(https://www.agudathcemetery.org/new-mount-zion) the Jewish section of Hillside Cemetery in Lyndhurst. Each cemetery upholds the traditions and values that are important to our community, ensuring a dignified and respectful resting place for our loved ones.

When the Cemetery Association was formed, it bought plots at Menorah Cemetery, so most of the synagogue’s burials have been there. Those original blocks, which we call Blocks A, B, C, and D, are nearly fully subscribed, except for a few scattered single plots. However, plots are available in Blocks F and G. Please note that Block F requires footstones and does not allow headstones, whereas Block G can accommodate headstones and/or footstones. ​ Plots are also available at King Solomon Memorial Park, where footstones with bronze plaques are required. ​ The Cemetery Association currently has no available plots at New Mount Zion Cemetery.

The best time to buy plots is before you need them. We will work with you and your family, of course, to arrange for a cemetery plot when a death occurs or is imminent. However, bear in mind that it is always easier and more helpful for our loved ones to make arrangements in advance.

Burial plots are available for purchase to members of Congregation Agudath Israel in good standing. Additionally, the Cemetery Association extends this eligibility to members' immediate families and the immediate families of their immediate families. By “immediate families,” we mean parents, current and former spouses, siblings, and children.

The plots may be used only for the burial of Jews, as defined by the rabbi of Congregation Agudath Israel.

Once you select the plots you want, we will send you an invoice, which you can pay by check or credit card. The Cemetery Association accepts Visa and MasterCard. We are happy to work out extended payment plans for members with financial hardships. ​ Within a couple of months of receiving your full payment, the Cemetery Association will send you a deed stating that you own the plots.

The Cemetery Association does not offer a discount for the purchase of more than one plot.

We offer a repurchase option if you no longer wish to retain the cemetery plots you purchased from us. We will buy back the plots from you at any time for the price you initially paid, provided no monuments have been erected on the plots. This policy ensures that you have a flexible option should your circumstances or plans change, reflecting our commitment to supporting our members’ needs with integrity and respect.

You can transfer ownership of your plots to another family member by contacting the Cemetery Association. If you wish to transfer your plots to anyone other than a family member, whether or not that person is a member of Congregation Agudath Israel, you must first sell the plots back to the Cemetery Association, which will resell them to the new owners.

You are simply buying the right to use the plot for burial. Please note that the cemetery's fee for opening the grave at the time of the burial is not included in the plot purchase price. Additionally, the costs of services provided by a funeral director and the expenses for erecting a monument on the grave are separate and not covered by the cemetery plot purchase. We recommend discussing these additional costs with the respective service providers to understand the full scope of expenses.

The purchase of a cemetery plot is generally not tax-deductible, even though the Cemetery Association is registered as a nonprofit organization under IRC 501(c)(13). While nonprofit cemeteries and cemetery associations are tax-exempt entities, the IRS views the purchase of a plot as a transaction for personal goods and services rather than a charitable contribution. Please check with your tax preparer for more information.

We have arranged with Oheb Shalom Cemetery in Hillside to sell plots to our members’ families who wish to plan interfaith burials. This partnership ensures that families seeking interfaith burial options have access to suitable plots that respect and honor the diverse religious backgrounds of loved ones. For more detailed information, please visit www.ohebshalomcemetery.org.(http://www.ohebshalomcemetery.org/)

Those seeking religious guidance on issues related to cremation or the burial of cremated remains should consult the rabbis of Congregation Agudath Israel. The Cemetery Association will then follow up with the family to assist.