A Community of Caring
Congregation Beth Israel takes pride in being a community of caring. Just as we celebrate in each others joys, we want to stand by our members in times of sorrow. This is a promise that our community especially strives to fulfill following a death.
In Jewish tradition, a cemetery is called "Beit Hachayim" -- "The House of Life." That name might sound ironic, but consider that the cemetery is the living embodiment of a Jewish community's commitment to maintaining and honoring the memory of those who have died and of comforting the living. By caring for people at the time of death, we affirm the sanctity of life.
This page of our website provides the policies of the Beth Israel Cemetery. It also is meant to provide a guide for members of our community during a time of loss -- whether you experience it as a family member, a friend, or a comforter of those in mourning.
Serious Illness
In cases of serious illness, when the person may not recover, it is proper to notify the rabbi, no matter what the time of day or night. The rabbi is there to serve you and your family by providing comfort, counseling, and appropriate prayers for the dying. See the "Contact Us" page for information on how to notify the rabbi.
When Death Occurs
When there is a death, whether local or outside the North Adams area, please immediately notify the rabbi, the congregation (413-663-5830), or Flynn & Dagnolli Funeral Home (413-663-6523). In most cases, the rabbi will meet with members of the family as soon as possible to counsel them through the funeral process and to learn their wishes.
Planning the Funeral
In Jewish tradition, funerals take place as soon after death as possible, usually one or two days. However, there often are circumstances that require some delay - particularly the need to wait for out-of-town relatives to arrive. Jewish tradition requires that funerals not take place on Shabbat and holidays. Funeral services can take place either in the synagogue followed by internment at the cemetery, or the entire service can take place in the cemetery by the graveside.
Burial Rights
After five years of full membership, regular and associate members of Congregation Beth Israel have the right to burial in our cemetery in Clarksburg at members' rates.
Directions to Beth Israel Cemetery
The cemetery is always open to the public. It is located on a beautiful hillside overlooking the Berkshire Mountains. From State Road (Rte. 2) in downtown North Adams, travel east. At the intersection with Main St. and Walker St., turn sharply left (north) onto Walker St. Stay on Walker St. for about a mile. (You will enter the town of Clarksburg). The cemetery is on the left just by Brooks Heights, which is on the right. For a map, click here
Sitting Shiva
Many people are anxious about being a host in their home right after suffering a loss. However, the custom of sitting shiva is intended to be a source of comfort, not anxiety. Mourners in shiva need not act as hosts; rather, it is the community that hosts and cares for the mourners in their own home. Shiva usually begins with a "Meal of Comfort," which gives the community its first chance to express condolences. While shiva usually is observed for seven days - a practice that is encouraged when possible - some choose to shorten it to fewer days. Shiva also may be shortened by the occurrence of a Jewish holiday.
Advice for Visitors
It is not appropriate to make condolence calls to mourners before the funeral. However, attending funerals and paying shiva visits are among the most important mitzvot (sacred obligations) of Jewish life. A visit to a shiva house is usually not long - an hour or so. Weekday services are usually held in a shiva house, often including an opportunity for mourners and visitors to share remembrances. It is appropriate to bring food, but not flowers. As a visitor to a shiva house, allow the mourners to set the tone. Conversation, story telling, laughter, tears and silence can all be appropriate at a shiva house when they are initiated by mourners. Your job as a visitor is to be present and caring.
Hevra Kaddisha
Our congregation is served by a Hevra Kaddisha (burial society) of members who volunteer for this honor. The Hevra Kaddisha consists of two groups - one for men and one for women - who undertake the sacred task of preparing the dead for burial in the ritual of taharah. We encourage all Jewish members of CBI to volunteer to serve in this sacred obligation. For a powerful description of the experience of serving on Hevra Kaddisha, see this article by one of our members.
Monuments and Unveilings
The Cemetery Committee should be consulted before a monument is ordered to assure that it is of appropriate size and style. An unveiling ceremony is customary one year after death. It is a meaningful opportunity for family to gather in remembrance. Contact the rabbi at least a month before the desired date to arrange for an unveiling.
Interfaith Families
We maintain separate sections of the cemetery where Jews and non-Jews may be buried together and sections in which only Jews may be buried. Non-denominational funeral services for non-Jewish members may be conducted in the synagogue and at our cemetery. See the "Outreach" page for more information on our policies for including interfaith families.
Reservation of Plots
Cemetery plots may be reserved by members of CBI only for a $750 fee. Reserved plots may be used for the purchaser, a spouse or minor children.
Schedule of Fees
CBI cemetery fees for members are:
Opening & closing of grave 
$650
Supervision and administration $750
Ritual Supplies $400
Perpetual Care $1,500
Use of synagogue facilities $250
(waived, if graveside only)
TOTAL CBI CHARGES $3,550
IN ADDITION: The Flynn & Dagnolli Funeral Home generally charges approximately $2,300 for the services of the funeral director and staff, use of funeral home, use of hearse and limousine, "kosher" casket, death certificates, newspaper obituary listings, etc. The total cost, therefore, for a CBI member's burial at our cemetery is about $5,850. There are also additional costs if the place of death is outside of the local area. CBI does not set the charges billed by the funeral home, but they are customarily combined with the CBI charges, and billed by CBI to the family or the estate of the deceased.
Non-members may be buried in the CBI cemetery at the discretion of the Cemetery Committee. Charges for non-members are set at four times the members' fees.
CBI has the right to set standards and rules for cemetery use. Please consult with the congregation and its rabbi with any questions concerning these policies.
