Our Cemetery

The Shaare Zedek Cemetery Committee has a new look - a dynamic force with all members united and working closely with the Rabbi and Board of Directors. Our aim is to transform our cemetery into one that each and every member of our congregation will be proud of.

Where at one time there was one person looking over all cemetery matters there are now six. Richard (Mickey) Davine has been active on the committee since its inception and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his many years of service. Sandy Lipkus has been active since 2008 after losing both her parents within a short period of time. She visited them very often and wanted them to rest in a place that was respectful, reflective and beautiful. Bonnie Ostrov has become involved since her father’s passing last year and is eager to create an inviting and inspirational environment where we honour the memory of our loved ones. Jerry Silverberg has recently joined our committee and as a former general manager of the Baron de Hirsch Cemetery, he has brought much experience to our cemetery management. We are fortunate that he has agreed to act as the chairman of this committee. Morton Beutel, a former president of the Baron de Hirsch Cemetery, and Irwin Horner, Executive Director of Shaare Zedek have both recently come on board and we welcome their particular expertise.  Rabbi Bright has been present at all of the meetings and is committed to the new vision of our cemetery. His advice and recommendations have been invaluable.

In order to beautify the cemetery grounds the committee has recommended the purchase of several benches for reflection and relaxation, stone pillars at the second entrance, litter bins, planters filled with stones, and flower boxes throughout  the cemetery  grounds. There is a plan to have a hand wash basin built, connected to the main water line and permanently placed at the entrance / exit. We will encourage members of the congregation to donate these items as a memorial to their loved ones in an effort to help offset the cost to the synagogue.

A major repair of one section of the cemetery will take place this spring/summer, and will consist of levelling the ground,  repairing  the leaning monuments, footstones, and broken foundations,  as well as re-sodding where necessary. There is a cost attached to this repair and we will be requesting that family members help cover this cost. Mickey Davine has been instrumental in organizing the resurfacing of the road within our grounds and the work was completed in the fall of 2010.

The committee will consider offering services and items such as, stone washing, the use of a canopy for burials or unveilings, and  graveside prayers officiated by a member of our clergy for special occasions We are also examining the feasibility of purchasing a parcel of prime land within an existing cemetery in Montreal for members of the synagogue who would prefer to be interred in a more central location.

The need to establish a Trust Fund for Perpetual Care of our cemetery for future generations is of paramount importance. Perpetual Care addresses the general care, repairs and maintenance of the cemetery at large, and we will be seeking advice from the appropriate professionals and experts in the field.

The committee envisions the cemetery in a “park like setting” and we are in the early stages of developing an Architectural Plan which will include floral exhibits and trees to enhance the entire cemetery. Preliminary discussions with a landscape architect have already begun. A separate section will be earmarked for development of a SHAARE ZEDEK FAMILY ESTATE, distinct reserved family sections of various dimensions. This will be the crowning glory of the Shaare Zedek Cemetery and the envy of the entire Jewish Community of Montreal.       
     
Respectfully submitted by the Shaare Zedek Cemetery Committee
Morton Beutel
Rabbi Alan Bright
Mickey Davine
Irwin Horner
Sandy Lipkus
Bonnie Ostrov
Jerry Silverberg

Cemetery Committee

Bonnie Ostrov

Bonnie is one of four children  born in Montreal, Quebec to Esther and Teddy Berish, founding members of the Shaare Zedek Congregation. She has been married for 36 blissful years to Paul Ostrov, President and CEO of Como Fred David Group of Companies and is the proud mother of their sensational daughter, Sabrina.

A McGill post- graduate Bonnie was employed by the English and French sectors of the CECM as an educator and administrator.  Retired, she is currently a member of the Board of Directors and Executive of the Israel Cancer Research Fund where she has volunteered for many years.

Bonnie joined the cemetery committee this year and is eager to attain the goals of this dynamic group. She enjoys family, travel, golf, a good read in the country air and more recently, morning services among the minyanaires!

 

Top