Young Israel of West Hempstead

The Chesed Shel Emes Committee has been functioning for over 30 years and has provided invaluable service to member families at times of bereavement. We would like to acquaint you with the rights to which a member family is entitled, the services that are available, and the various rules and regulations to which a member is subject.

Recognizing that at the time of bereavement the immediate family is subject to emotional stress and may find itself unprepared to handle the detailed arrangements of a funeral and burial, the committee arranges every detail of the funeral, burial, and shiva. All rights and privileges herein mentioned are only applicable to a member family in good standing (i.e. member, spouse, and unmarried children under the age of 24). The cost to each member family for these services in now $50 a year.

1. By virtue of membership in the Young Israel of West Hempstead, all member families are entitled to the following in case of death (Heaven-Forbid):
   • Transfer of the deceased within the Metropolitan area to I.J. Morris Inc., Hempstead, N.Y.
   • SHMIRA (guarding of the deceased by fellow members)
   • TAHARAH (cleansing and dressing of the deceased by members of our Chevra Kadisha)
   • Rabbi's services
   • Cemetery plot in Young Israel of West Hempstead section of the New Montifiore Cemetery in Farmingdale, Long Island.*
   • The Young Israel of West Hempstead covers the first $800 of the funeral expense.*
2. * Members will have a ten-year vesting in the preceding two benefits - A funeral plot (current value of approx. $1,000) and a cash benefit of $800 toward funeral expenses. Each completed year of membership entitles a member to 10% of each of those two benefits.
3. All funeral and burial procedures must conform with the accepted Halacha as determined by the Rabbi of the Young Israel of West Hempstead.

1. Burial plots in our cemetery are available only to members, their spouses and unmarried children under 24 years of age.
2. Upon the burial of a member, the adjoining plot can be reserved for the deceased's spouse upon the payment of the sum of $350.00.
3. Plots will be used, commencing with the rear of the burial site, except for Kohanim and their families.
4. Adjoining plots will be used for the burial of the same sex, other than husband or wife.
5. Plots paid for are non-transferable.
6. The back row of the cemetery area is reserved for special burials: Nefailim (children under 30 days of age), embryos, limbs etc.
7. Gravestones must be simple and conform to cemetery rules. All inscriptions and grave coverings must be approved by the Rabbi of the Young Israel of West Hempstead and the Chairman of the Beis Olam Committee. Double headstones are not permitted. Gravestones for Nefailim will be limited to simple "Baby Markers".
8. Graves may not be decorated with trees, flowers, or wreaths. The Beis Olam Committee will be happy to recommend Halachicaly acceptable grave coverings.
9. The family of the deceased must provide a gravestone to be erected not later than 12 months after the date of burial.

1. An unmarried member, over the age of 24, is entitled to all of the above benefits upon payment of 50% of the fee paid by a member family.
2. If a member moves from West Hempstead and terminates his full membership and continues as an associate member in the YIWH, he may continue to enjoy the benefits of the C.S.E. by paying a fee equal to double that paid by a residing member. In the event that he elects not to pay such, all benefits, including reservation of plots, shall terminate without reimbursement.
3. Relatives of Members
   • Occasionally, our committee is asked to perform services for a member's relative (mother,father,sister,brother etc.) at another funeral home outside of the West Hempstead area. Compliance with this request is extremely difficult and in that case the family will be advised where Shomrim and a reliable Chevra Kadisha can be obtained. The Chevra Kadisha is unable to provide its services except in the West Hempstead area. If, however, the family makes arrangements for the funeral at I.J. Morris Inc. in Hempstead, the Chevra Kadisha of YIWH will perform the Taharah only, at no charge.
   • The C.S.E. Committee is prepared to assist and advise a family that is arranging a funeral in an area other than West Hempstead. Do not hesitate to call us if such assistance is needed. We are experienced and informed in these matters and can save you untold problems and money.
   • A member’s child with developmental or psychiatric disabilities who is precluded from a functionally independent existence, whether living under the permanent supervision of their parents or in institutional care would entitle the child to a cemetery plot. Efforts would be taken by the Chevra Kadisha to provide for the parents’ and child’s plots to be contiguous. The dues for this type of membership will be a one-time payment of $2,000. The Chevra will encourage parents to purchase a pre-paid funeral for such a child in order that all funeral arrangements have been set.

1. CHEVRA KADISHA (men and women sections): To clean, dress, and prepare the deceased for burial.
2. SHOMRIM: To arrange for Sh'mirah - guarding of the deceased until the time of burial.
3. SEUDAS HAVRAAH (Meal of Consolation): To provide a simple first meal for the mourners only when they return from the funeral. (The first food that a mourner eats, after the burial, may not be his own) and to prepare the house for Shiva.
4. SHIVA COMMITTEE: To arrange for, and transport, necessary equipment to be used in the house where shiva is being observed (special low chairs, sidurim, Aron Kodesh etc.).
5. MINYAN COMMITTEE: To arrange for daily minyanim at the shiva home in West Hempstead.
6. BAIS OLAM COMMITTEE: Maintains a record of all grave assignments; supervises and maintains cemetery grounds. Assists family in selecting proper stone and grave covering.