In 2017, Chabad of Virginia developed the Richmond Jewish Cemetery, a traditional Jewish cemetery open to the whole community.
Rabbi Yossel Kranz, the executive director of Chabad of Virginia, felt there was a need for his members and for the many unaffiliated Jews in the Greater Richmond area.
There was also great concern for interfaith couples, who had lived their lives together and wished to be laid to rest near one another.
With unique design features and careful planning according to halacha, Jewish law, this goal was accomplished, providing a proper and respectful burial option for both spouses and allowing future generations the ability to fulfill the mitzvah of visiting the deceased at one location.
The community near and far has discovered these services and the cemetery has served families from all backgrounds.
“One of the most amazing funerals I attended was performed graveside for mourners in person and on Zoom, in four different locations around the world, for people speaking three different languages. Rabbi Pereira performed the service, moving seamlessly between languages, bringing comfort to all family members and allowing an unaffiliated Jewish woman whose children all lived far from her to have a proper burial here in Richmond,” said Ruth Greene, manager of the Richmond Jewish Cemetery.
The Richmond Jewish Cemetery has not only accommodated families at their time of need, but has helped many people plan ahead by purchasing an inclusive plot package.
This is a great gift they give to their loved ones, removing stress, anxiety, potential conflict and financial concerns at the time of their passing.
Knowing that the wishes of a mother, father, spouse, are being met and are secure, allows family members to be together, grieve and honor their loved on who has passed with peace and comfort.
Just several short years later, the need to expand became apparent. The Richmond Jewish Cemetery has now grown to include the adjacent area to the left of the original section in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Like the original section, this new area will also feature upright headstones and a tranquil setting bordered along the back by a pretty wooded area.
For more information, please visit rjcemetery.org or contact Ruth Greene at ruth@chabadofva.org or 804-740-2000, ext. 6.
