Why do we place pebbles on a memorial? Here at Edgwarebury Jewish Cemetery, this old custom is still seen today. It is a Jewish practice that goes back to medieval times.
Edgwarebury Cemetery opened in 1972. The first burial took place on 14th December 1975. It is managed by the Edgwarebury Joint Burial Board. This is on behalf of four owning communities. They are the S&P Sephardi Community, West London Synagogue, Liberal Judaism and Belsize Square Synagogue.
In December 2010, additional burial land was purchased. This land was on the east side of Clay Lane. 1.8 acres was designated for Belsize Square Synagogue. The remaining land was allocated equally. This was between the three other owning communities.
The prayer hall here at Edgwarebury Jewish Cemetery is called an Ohel. It was refurbished in 2017. It now has a new floor and upholstered chairs. There is seating for 100 people. There is also additional space for standing. New windows were fitted in May 2019. A new internal and external speaker system was installed in July 2022.
The cemetery has a loop system in the prayer hall. The Kohanim room is located just behind the prayer hall. It is clearly signposted.
Edgwarebury Cemetery also has an electric bus. It can transport up to 10 people. This is for those who have difficulty walking from the prayer hall. Wheelchairs are also available. Enquiries should be made at the cemetery office. The bus is used for all funerals and stone settings. The exceptions are sections SE1, SE2, WL1 and U1. These sections are very close to the prayer hall.
Visiting loved ones can be challenging. The Edgwarebury staff understand this. They are here to help in any way possible.
The Yahrzeit marks the anniversary of the passing of a loved one. The family lights a Yahrzeit candle. It should stay alight for 24 hours. Family and friends visit the grave. Psalms and the mourners kaddish prayer are recited.
The custom of placing stones on a memorial marks the grave. It shows that it has been visited. Stones last for eternity. They represent the everlasting memory of our loved ones. Placing flowers has never been a Jewish custom.
It is also customary to wash one’s hands. This should be done after participating in a funeral. It is also done after visiting the cemetery. The common custom is to wash each hand three times. You should alternate between the right and left hands. Many people have the custom not to dry their hands. They let them dry on their own. It is also usual to give Tzedakah in memory of the deceased.
The cemetery remains on the edge of the built-up area. It meets the countryside. It is a green belt. It provides a peaceful place for reflection.