Burial

New Essex Masorti members receive full membership of the Jewish Joint Burial Society.  Providing that you or your partner joined before reaching the age of 50, you will be making a full contribution to JJBS and will be entitled to both burial rights at Cheshunt and basic funeral expenses.

Individuals are not at present able to join the burial society directly. Contracts for the provision of its services are made with synagogues whose entire membership is then covered by contributions paid on a per capita basis. Any children under the age of 21 included in the parents' membership fees are covered. Fully paid-up members qualify for a standard funeral at Cheshunt. The only extra charges would be for funeral cars, in addition to the hearse, and for the special opening of a previously reserved grave.

Members joining the scheme when over the age of 50 lose some of the benefits; there is a sliding scale of payment to be made towards a funeral. However, rights which are already established are transferable between participating synagogues within the JJBS. You can get this information from New Essex Masorti Synagogue, or from the JJBS direct.

The Jewish Joint Burial Society (JJBS) was originally established by a group of Reform synagogues to meet their own needs but now consisting of 35 member communities including five Masorti synagogues. The cemetery is at Cheshunt, Hertfordshire (on part of the land of the Western Synagogue Cemetery, Bulls Cross Ride). Map Link

New Essex Masorti Synagogue can also arrange funerals for non-members who are Jewish.

In the event of a member’s death, please advise the synagogue office as soon as possible on 07922 090180