Jewish burials can now be accommodated at Seaview Cemetery in Gibsons, thanks to 18 months of effort and investment by the Sunshine Coast Jewish Burial Society.
The society was recently incorporated as a non-profit group. The small assembly of Jewish seniors first approached the Sun-shine Coast Regional District (SCRD) in April 2013 with the goal of creating a separate Jewish burial site.
The SCRD was planning a cemetery expansion and were able to accommodate the request; however, the society needed to foot the bill for the 30 plots they were requesting.
The society paid $5,800 for the 30 segregated plots that can accommodate the religious needs for Jewish burial, and now the area is ready to be blessed and opened up to those who wish to purchase a plot.
This Sunday, Dec. 7, the community is invited to witness the blessing ceremony, being led by rabbi Lindsay Bat Joseph at 2 p.m. at Seaview Cemetery.
“It will be a special day,” said Michael Weiner, one of the founding members of the Sunshine Coast Jewish Burial Society.
Although the original goal that brought the society together is now complete, Weiner said the group plans to stay active and look at ways to bring the Jewish community on the Coast together more often.
For more information about the society and its plans for the future, contact Rita at 604-886-4906.
