Committees & Their Functions
THE CEMETERY COMMITTEE: To be of assistance of our brethren in time of need and to share the burdens in time of trouble and bereavement has been the aim and goal of the Independent City of Homes Association since its organization. Not having a cemetery of our own, we were obligated to arrange with the local synagogues for burial in their cemeteries. In 1918, a movement was started to purchase and maintain our own cemetery. In April of 1918, we purchased a small plot of wooded, undeveloped land which marked the beginning of a new era with a very radical change (for the better) in the method of burials and the conduct of jewish funerals. Haste and confusion were substituted by well organized planning and cooperation. Our Chevrah Kadisha were given full power and control in the administration of the cemetery as well as the enactment of such rules and regulations that would best benefit our membership. The system of "charge what the traffic will bear" was substituted by a just equitable rule whereby rich and poor were treated alike. A suitable mortuary was built, as well as a Chapel. While the Chapel remains inadequate to accommodate large crowds, it does afford shelter and a place of assemblage. Additional land was purchased in 1923, 1936 and 1952. While the expense of upkeep and improvement has increased considerably, it is felt the results attained merits the expenditure and effort. Today the City of Homes Cemetery is acknowledged as one of the most beautiful, best equipped and efficiently maintained Jewish cemeteries in New England. Situated on Wilbraham Road, a short distance east of historic Watershops Ponds and within the shadow of beautiful Wilbraham Mountains. This hallowed ground, with its well laid out plots, walks and roadway, green lawn, trees, shrubs and beautiful flower beds, has changed a once drab, somber and melancholy plot of land into a beautiful, landscaped shrine, where the mortal remains of our loving departed rest in eternal peace and blessed memory.
SCHOLARSHIP: To provide financial assistance for post high school education for the children of members. sick and fraternal: To recognize sick and distressed members; helping them spiritually by visits and kind thoughts.
PUBLICITY: To bring to the public by means of newspapers and radio, what goes on of interest within our organization. To help keep our name always before the public.
BOOSTER: Edit, publish and distribute our monthly newsletter, The Booster.
MEMBERSHIP: To bring new members into our organization.
INVESTIGATION: To investigate each prospective member as to character and religion, before he becomes a member of our organization.
THE CEMETERY COMMITTEE: To be of assistance of our brethren in time of need and to share the burdens in time of trouble and bereavement has been the aim and goal of the Independent City of Homes Association since its organization. Not having a cemetery of our own, we were obligated to arrange with the local synagogues for burial in their cemeteries. In 1918, a movement was started to purchase and maintain our own cemetery. In April of 1918, we purchased a small plot of wooded, undeveloped land which marked the beginning of a new era with a very radical change (for the better) in the method of burials and the conduct of jewish funerals. Haste and confusion were substituted by well organized planning and cooperation. Our Chevrah Kadisha were given full power and control in the administration of the cemetery as well as the enactment of such rules and regulations that would best benefit our membership. The system of "charge what the traffic will bear" was substituted by a just equitable rule whereby rich and poor were treated alike. A suitable mortuary was built, as well as a Chapel. While the Chapel remains inadequate to accommodate large crowds, it does afford shelter and a place of assemblage. Additional land was purchased in 1923, 1936 and 1952. While the expense of upkeep and improvement has increased considerably, it is felt the results attained merits the expenditure and effort. Today the City of Homes Cemetery is acknowledged as one of the most beautiful, best equipped and efficiently maintained Jewish cemeteries in New England. Situated on Wilbraham Road, a short distance east of historic Watershops Ponds and within the shadow of beautiful Wilbraham Mountains. This hallowed ground, with its well laid out plots, walks and roadway, green lawn, trees, shrubs and beautiful flower beds, has changed a once drab, somber and melancholy plot of land into a beautiful, landscaped shrine, where the mortal remains of our loving departed rest in eternal peace and blessed memory.
SCHOLARSHIP: To provide financial assistance for post high school education for the children of members. sick and fraternal: To recognize sick and distressed members; helping them spiritually by visits and kind thoughts.
PUBLICITY: To bring to the public by means of newspapers and radio, what goes on of interest within our organization. To help keep our name always before the public.
BOOSTER: Edit, publish and distribute our monthly newsletter, The Booster.
MEMBERSHIP: To bring new members into our organization.
INVESTIGATION: To investigate each prospective member as to character and religion, before he becomes a member of our organization.