The Board of Congregation Emanu-El has approved an increase in fees associated with burial in our historic cemetery, effective January 31, 2021, trying to keep costs within reason and comparable to other similar cemeteries. The fees have not increased since 2015, and our costs continue to rise. Funeral and burial costs are all inclusive as noted below, including the services of Sands Funeral Chapels of Victoria, our Chevra Kadisha, plot cost and burial in our cemetery.
As of January 31, 2021 the fee for members of the Congregation will be $12,000. The fee for non-members will be $15,500. In special circumstances, the burial price for a person who was a formerly long-standing member may be decided on a case by case basis with the agreement of the Rabbi and Cemetery Director.
Members and non-Members can prepay these costs at the current rate (members – $10,500; non-members – $13,500) before January 31 by contacting Sands Funeral Chapel. Members can also prepay the plot cost ($2000 now, $4000 after January 31, 2021) directly from Emanu-El at any time by contacting the Congregation office.
FUNERAL SERVICES INCLUDE:
- Burial plot; preparation and closing of grave
- Maintenance of graveyard in perpetuity
- Plain pine casket
- Transportation of deceased from place of death to funeral home (within 40 km distance) and from funeral home to cemetery
- Limousine service for family to funeral (if desired)
- Assistance with funeral arrangements in co-ordination with Rabbi or spiritual advisor
- Services of Chevra Kadisha, which include: Taharah – cleansing and preparation of the body for burial; Tachrichim – burial garments and providing yahrzeit candles and grieving literature (as needed)
- Assist with registration of death and death certificate
- Assist with obituary notice (if needed)
- Assist with Shiva (seven days of mourning)
The Rabbi or alternate will perform a graveside funeral service and, within one year of burial, an unveiling service.
Adjoining plot may be reserved for spouse or child upon payment of plot fee ($4000)
FUNERAL SERVICES DO NOT INCLUDE:
- Personal choice of burial plot location
- Any loss of valuables
- Cost of headstone or curbing or any associated concrete work
- Maintenance of individual grave plantings, such as flowers or rose bushes, maintenance of headstone
- Transportation of deceased more than 40 km (a surcharge may apply)
January 10 @ 11 am & January 12 & 1 pm 2020 at Congregation Emanu-El cemetery — Dear Ones,
It is with a very heavy heart that I write to tell the community that Joy WIlkins died Monday July 29, 2019.
September 2, 2 pm — The Old Cemeteries Society will conduct a tour of Congregation Emanu-El cemetery on Sunday, September 2 beginning at 2 pm. This Jewish Cemetery is the oldest continuously operating cemetery in BC and has connections to many pioneers from Victoria and other places. Amber Woods, author of the OCS’s recent publication Guide to Victoria’s Jewish Cemetery, will explain the cemetery’s location and describe its people, symbolism and monuments. Meet at the main gates, Fernwood Rd. at the corner of Cedar Hill Rd. Men, please wear a hat.
Close to 50 people came to the official book launch for the Guide to Victoria’s Historic Jewish Cemetery written by Amber Woods and published by the Old Cemeteries Society. Rick Kool was the MC on behalf of Congregation Emanu-El and the Cemetery Committee. Short presentations were given by John Azar of the Old Cemeteries Society (OCS) and Amber Woods. Gary Cohen read a short biography as an illustration of one of the three anomalies of the Jewish Cemetery. Books were sold and signed in the social hall and a few Jewish desserts were served.
On Monday, June 18, 7:30 pm you are invited to attend the launch of Guide to Victoria’s Historic Jewish Cemetery written by Amber Woods at Congregation Emanu-El, 1461 Blanshard Street. Copies of the book will be available for sale.
