As Jews, our greatest comfort when we lose a loved one is the connection to and support of our community. Treating those who have died with respect and in accordance with Jewish tradition is one of the most important mitzvot (commandments). We call it "hessed shel emet"--a true act of kindness--because the act cannot be "repaid" by the person who has passed away. Instead, we treat every action done by the living for a person who has died as something done out of the purest of motives.

This makes the step theat we have taken as a congregation--of establishing a congregational burial ground--one with incredible meaning and significance. This sacred space will create a physical manifestation of that community, uniting us in death as we are bound together in life. Indeed, along with setting up schools and synagogues, every Jewish community throughout the generations has established a sacred place for this purpose. Our own synagogue community's commitment and maturity will be demonstrated by this profound act.

Toward this end, we has purchased plots in the Gan Zikaron - Gates of Remembrance cemetery in Clarksburg, Maryland for our Shaare Torah community. The cemetery covers 152 acres in a rural, tree-lined setting just off of Route 270, and it is beautifully appointed and maintained. Since its dedication and consecration on September 10, 2000, twenty Washington area congregations, among them Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist, have chosen the Garden of Remembrance as their official congregation cemetery. Plots will be available to Shaare Torah members and those purchasing through members.

If you have any questions or if your need any further information, please feel contact Steven Greenfeld. Steve can be reached by phone at (301) 881-8300 (office) or (301) 869-7683 (home), or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can also learn more about Gan Zikaron and take a photographic tour of the grounds on their website,
www.gardenofremembrance.org.

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