Community Alliance for Jewish-affiliated Cemeteries

 Mission and Purpose'''

The Community Alliance for Jewish-Affiliated Cemeteries (CAJAC) represents a centralized model of cemetery management, utilizing economies of scale and utilizing common standards - and best practices - to ensure permanent preservation of sacred burial grounds.

Presently, CAJAC is managing 10 burial grounds, representing nearly 8000 graves. CAJAC's work includes managing both independent cemeteries as well as dissolved burial lodges.

CAJAC continues to spearhead restoration projects. As of 2024, Central NJ, Suffolk County, NY, and the Capital District of New York. Previously, CAJAC completed comprehensive restorations at Baron Hirsch Cemetery in Staten Island, NY and Bayside Cemetery in Queens, NY.

CAJAC also deploys a rapid response team when vandalism occurs at Jewish cemeteries.

CAJAC also partners with other organizations, including the Jewish Community Legacy Project, to assist synagogues with succession planning as it relates to their cemeteries.

CAJAC's Rabbinic Advisor is Rabbi Elchonon Zohn, preeminent authority on end-of-life issues, and Executive Director of the National Association of Chevros Kadisha

CAJAC's Current Portfolio

CAJAC manages cemeteries and fraternal burial organizations throughout Metropolitan New York. Organizations include: Brisker Society, Brooklyn Jewish Postal Workers Society, Kingsbridge Heights Jewish Center, Beth Israel, Workmen's Circle, Van Liew and Cemetery (Jewish section). CAJAC maintains nearly 8000 graves across all of its cemeteries.

CAJAC is presently managing the restoration and repair of six cemeteries Rotterdam, NY, resulting from a large-scale desecration in April 2024. The organization is partnering with the local community, including three area congregations, to raise the funding necessary to effectuate the restoration.

Staff and Leadership

CAJAC's Executive Director is Rabbi Andrew Schultz. The current president is Alan Friedman.

CAJAC is also affiliated with the New York Board of Rabbis and Plaza Jewish Memorial Chapel.

Funding

Since its inception, CAJAC has been a beneficiary of UJA-Federation of New York. CAJAC is also funded by private donors and foundations. In addition, CAJAC receives management fees from its constituent cemeteries and burial societies.

History

The organization was incorporated as Friends of Bayside Cemetery on September 22, 2006. It officially changed its name to Community Association for Jewish At-risk Cemeteries on April 13, 2007. The organization officially changed its name again to Community Alliance for Jewish-affiliated Cemeteries on August 11, 2014. CAJAC changed its name to the Community Alliance for Jewish-Affiliated Cemeteries in 2014.

Bayside Cemetery Restoration

Starting with seed money from the UJA Federation of New York, CAJAC completed a massive restoration maintenance program at Bayside Cemetery in Queens, New York. In addition to UJA-Federation's support, CAJAC raised an additional $150,000, including funding from the New York City Council.