(JTA) — Britain’s first “green” Jewish cemetery will open later this year.
The environmentally friendly cemetery is being built by the Jewish Joint Burial Society in Cheshunt, a small town of 52,000 residents in Hertfordshire, north of London, The Mercury weekly newspaper reported.
The burial society serves 35 Reform, Liberal and Masorti (Conservative) congregations in the United Kingdom.
Called a “woodland” cemetery in Britain, it will incorporate graves into the natural setting of the surrounding woods. Coffins will be bio-degradable to decompose quickly, and small memorial plaques will be used instead of large headstones.
The cemetery will have room for about 10,000 burials, including a section for mixed-faith families.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
