Cemeteries
One of the first responsibilities of a synagogue is to establish a Jewish cemetery. Temple Beth El operates two in Santa Cruz County. Our first cemetery, Beit Shalom (Home of Peace), was consecrated in 1877. When Beit Shalom started to fill up, we purchased an area for a Jewish section in the historic Soquel Cemetery, which dates to the early 1800s. Beit Olam (Eternal Home) at the Soquel Cemetery ensures that Jewish people in Santa Cruz County will have a burial place in the future. In observance of Jewish law, our cemeteries are closed from dusk to dawn on week days, and Friday evening until Sunday morning in honor of Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath.
831-201-4738.
For information on cemetery maintenance please contact Chris, our Maintenance Manager cirvine@tbeaptos.org or 831-201-4742.
Home of Peace Cemetery (Beit Shalom) is located on Meder Street on the west side of Santa Cruz just below the University. Acquired by the Hebrew Benevolent Society in 1877 for $100 following the death of two children, it was gifted for $100 by the legendary Mormon Moses Meder on the condition that his family plot, remain in “yonder land” adjacent and owned by the Jewish community. This peaceful cemetery with its rustic beauty is reserved for those who have continuously made a Voluntary Annual Synagogue Contribution to TBE for a minimum of at least five years.
Eternal Home Cemetery (Beit Olam), part of the Historic Soquel Cemetery, is located on Old San Jose Road in Soquel. Beit Olam was dedicated in 2001 to meet the need for more burial space to serve the entire Jewish community of Santa Cruz County. Burial in Beit Olam is open to all Jews. The pricing has several tiers depending on your affiliation and need. People who have made a Voluntary Annual Synagogue Contribution to TBE for a minimum of five years benefit the most.
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Burial Society: Temple Beth El offers guidance and spiritual strength through the efforts of its Chevra Kadisha Committee (Burial Society). When a loved one dies, a clergy person counsels the family to find the most meaningful form of observance for them. For information, please contact Holly Blue Hawkins at 831-201-4738.