Like other cities in the Midwest, Dayton has lost a tremendous amount of population over the last 20 years and our Jewish community is no exception. From our most populated era of the early 1990’s, the Miami Valley Jewish population is estimated to have diminished by nearly 60%. As we face this shrinking demographic, we must make the somber decision to save our burial grounds.
Although all our families have provided financial coverage for perpetual care at the time of the burial of our loved ones, this has never been nearly sufficient for the actual costs of the upkeep of the grounds. In fact, our cemeteries each operate at a $50,000 loss every year which will only deplete our funds further. It is estimated they will be gone within 8-10 years under current circumstances. That is why each of our three Jewish congregations has committed to beginning this endowment by obligating $450,000 from their respective foundations.
This is undoubtedly one of the most important and urgent initiatives our Jewish community has before it.
Our research shows we need $4.85 million to perpetually care for our cemeteries.
The $1,350,000 pledged by the Synagogues is a wonderful start and this mutual agreement between the congregations underscores the serious nature of this initiative.
To date, we have raised $2.2 million in the community portion of the campaign. Continuing forward, we must raise an additional $1.3 million to achieve a respectable future for each and every one of our departed loved ones in perpetuity.
When we pay tribute to those who came before us, we dignify the meaning of our own lives. Please offer your gift that is commensurate with what it will accomplish for all time.
The mission of JCGD is to provide for the operational and financial support of the participating Jewish cemeteries in the greater Dayton area now and in perpetuity.
The creation of the JCGD is meant to ensure that all three cemeteries will be operated and maintained according to Jewish law and tradition regardless of the size of the Dayton Jewish population; this will be the case even in the unlikely event that there would be no longer any existing congregations. It is also projected to provide for the operation and maintenance in perpetuity.
The JCGD is an independent 501(c)(3) initially established by the three founding congregations which operate a cemetery in the greater Dayton area. It is governed by a Board of Directors which was initially formed with three representatives appointed by each of the congregations and a representative from both the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton and the Jewish Foundation. This equal congregational representation will continue with elected Directors representing each congregation.
The JCGD Board of Directors will designate Committees (Executive, Finance, Ritual Coordinating, Operations and Maintenance) to oversee the policies established by the Board. The Board will supervise an Executive Director who will oversee day to day operations. The Board will also provide oversight management of the endowed funds.
Religious and cultural differences among the three congregations will continue to be decided and maintained by each congregation. The enactment of these differences will be ensured by the Ritual Coordinating Committee of the Board. This Committee is responsible for the ritual and halachic rules of those cemeteries which have until now been operated in each of these traditions.
This is an important issue which has been addressed because it has an effect on synagogue membership and dues. Before a burial is scheduled there will be mutual communication between the JCGD and congregational staff to determine the current membership and previous commitments of the congregation. Each congregation will establish its own rules for membership and also choose to be the primary agent/ contact for burials. Only members approved by the appropriate congregation may be buried in that cemetery.
This income is part of the entity that provides those services and should remain with that entity.
These expenses will be part of the JCGD annual budget and the quality of those services will be the responsibility of the Operations Committee of the Board. In actuality this duty is one of the the primary reasons for JCGD to exist.
This amount was actually determined from two different directions. First our cemetery consultant determined that this was the amount necessary to maintain the total number of projected gravesites of all three cemeteries in perpetuity if there was no further income from cemetery burials. Second, this is also the sustainable endowment required to generate an annual income which would offset the annual operating deficit which presently is subsidized by the annual budget of each congregation.
Each congregation will contribute an equal amount about $450,000 which is the present market value of their endowed cemetery funds. This amount may have to be adjusted upwards or downwards depending on their current market values at the time of that transaction but the concept has always been an equal contribution from each congregation.
“L’dor vador!”
From generation to generation, we seek to maintain the sanctity, care and integrity of our beloved burial grounds. Thank you for helping us safeguard our heritage.
To make a tax-deductible donation to Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Dayton, please click the secure button below:
To mail your contribution, please send to Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Dayton, 525 Versailles Drive, Dayton, OH 45459
Tax ID# 83-0724503
If you would like to learn more, please leave your contact information. We are happy to talk about this most pressing endeavor!
