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| John Diener |
By
John Diener and Brent Taylor, Co-Chairs
Jewish Memorial Gardens
Jewish Memorial Gardens
Jewish Memorial Gardens (JMG) operates the two community-owned
cemeteries, the original Bank Street location, established in the 1890s, and on
Herberts Corners Road in Greely, purchased in 1976. Combined, JMG is where more
than 5,000 members of our families and friends were laid to rest. Approximately
75 burials are conducted annually.
Both cemeteries are divided into sections, each one associated with
either a current or historic synagogue. Originally, the synagogues owned and
ran their own sections, but that was no longer workable, so in 2008, the
ownership of the properties was transferred to JMG. A Board of Directors runs
JMG, and is made up of members from each of the founding synagogues, as well as
representatives appointed by the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. The Board is
tasked with handling all aspects of day-to-day operation, maintenance, and
finance, while the synagogues maintain halachic control over the sections that
they previously owned. As the synagogues were the original owners of the
properties, synagogue membership is required to purchase interment rights.
However, measures have been put in place to secure a special “time of need”
membership when necessary. We also have policies in place to ensure that those
who do not have the resources to pay for interment rights and burial costs for
a deceased family member are accommodated.
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| Brent Taylor |
In June 2019, Jonathan Freedman, chair of JMG since 2012, stepped down
and we became co-chairs. Brent chaired the multi-million dollar revitalization
of the Bank Street cemetery that took place five years ago, and has continued
to be hands-on in all aspects of landscaping, maintenance, and day-to-day
operation of the properties. John served as treasurer for a decade, and had
dealt with and continues to work with finance, accounting, day-to-day issues,
and compliance with the Bereavement Authority of Ontario. Together, we work in
partnership with a group of dedicated volunteers and one paid employee,
Executive Director Tammy Torontow.
Dealing with death is very painful and stressful for families, and Tammy
collaborates with the synagogues, rabbis, Chevra Kadisha, funeral homes, and
our wonderful grounds-keeping contractor to make the experience as easy as
possible. Together, they all do whatever they can to get families through the
ordeal in a dignified fashion, while respecting our Jewish tradition and
halachah.
We have challenges moving forward. Like all organizations, JMG has to be
financially sustainable. The sale of flowers that we plant annually on
gravesites is a major income source and families are encouraged to participate.
Flower sales both help with our bottom line and are an excellent way to
beautify the cemeteries while honouring the memories of our loved ones.
JMG also realizes that the needs of the community have changed. There
are new groups within the community that will have to be accommodated, whether
they be small congregations, mixed marriage couples, or unaffiliated Ottawa
Jews who wish to be buried in a Jewish cemetery. The Board is working on
developing both short-term and long-term plans to deal with shifting needs.
Finally, both cemeteries are peaceful, beautifully landscaped places to
visit, reflect and remember family and friends. JMG’s goal is to continue to
provide caring, compassionate services to the community during times of need.
Visit www.jewishmemorialgardens.org
or call Tammy Torontow at 613-688-3530 for more information.
