Gan Shalom

Plots cost around $8,500. A $1,000 deposit is required.

A deposit cannot just be sent in. There are documents that must be signed to go along with the deposit. Before any money can be accepted, members of Beth Chaim can make an appointment to meet with representatives of Gan Shalom, and sign the agreement for the deposit to hold a space in the Beth Chaim section.

For the deposit, there are no financing options, but there are options for the purchase of the grave space.

Families are encouraged to do either or both.

Families will be able to select their own plots. For the first 10 deposits placed by Beth Chaim, the selection is typically determined by the order of deposits placed.

 A family section may be designated in the section.

The guidelines for headstones are set by Gan Shalom, in order to maintain consistent quality and standards throughout the cemetery. The granite bases, for example, are all of a uniform sunset beige color, and the marker must be bronze. The guidelines also encompass the size of the marker and base, and what can or cannot be used in the makeup of the bronze marker (such as symbols used).

Gan Shalom rules apply to all burials in the cemetery, even in the designated gardens. Beyond that, however, Beth Chaim has the opportunity to create certain specific policies — such as those pertaining to cremation — and to that end an ad-hoc committee has been formed to deliberate these. As of this writing, although no final determination has yet been made, the prevailing sentiment would be to accommodate this practice.

Yes, spaces can be traded.

The only party that can buy a plot back is Gan Shalom. Gan Shalom will repurchase the space at the price the space was sold for. All a member has to do is sign a quitclaim agreement with the cemetery.