On Sunday, June 26, 2011, our class spent a few hours at the Charlotte Hebrew Cemetery located on Statesville Road, in northwest Charlotte. We spent this time learning from our guide Brian Yesowitch (Vice President Hebrew Benevolent Society). The cemetery was established in 1867, well before the first Temple or any other Jewish organization. While taking our tour we paid our respects to thirteen Civil War veterans which was extremely humbling. Besides the historical significance of this place we learned about how we can use this place today as a potential final resting place. Being a member of a Temple doesn't automatically make you a member of the Hebrew Cemetery. They serve all Jews, affiliated and unaffiliated throughout the greater Charlotte area.
After the tour was completed our class performed a mini service project by cleaning out the old chapel building which stored all the things one would need to have a proper burial ceremony from green rugs, chairs, fencing and a lectern that all needed cleaning. When we were finished making everything looking beautiful we all took part in saying the Kadish facing east as is custom in Judaism. The final ritual we performed was at the Hebrew Cemetery hand washing station. We all knew at the end of the day that we all performed a worthwhile mitzvah.
We are very fortunate to be led by Lisa Blau and Tair Giudice who are challenging us to be active and involved in our Jewish lives.
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