Yesterday, a very rare Jewish ceremony took place in Wollongong, NSW.
It took place in a cemetery, but no-one was in mourning.
How does that happen? Well, read on!
Over the years, Jewish families in the area have come together for various events and occasions in the area, which is just over an hours' drive south of Sydney. Many of the families were of Israeli origin, or had lived and worked in Israel in the past. Eventually, a group was formed, and given the name KEVA, which stands for "Kibbutz Ex Volunteer Association". (It seems like regional Jewish groups like 4-letter acronyms!)
Jumping to 2023, it became apparent that there was a real need for a Jewish burial ground for people living in the Illawarra region, an areas that encompasses Wollongong, Shellharbour, and Kiama.
Dr Yoke Berry, who has been the facilitator of the KEVA group, spearheaded this initiative, and was in extensive contact with the local council to arrange the burial grounds. The council was very responsive, and eager to help with this important development.
Yesterday, after many months of hard work, the burial grounds at the Wollongong Lawn Cemetery, located in Kembla Grange were finally ready for dedication.
Members of the Sydney Beth Din, the Sydney Chevra Kadisha, and Chabad of RARA, as well as various members of the Jewish communities in the area, came together for the cemetery consecration ceremony. The consecration is performed by walking around the designated burial area 7 times, and sounding the Shofar between each circuit. Special verses pertaining to life and death are recited while walking around.
This new cemetery section ensures that the locals can have easy access to Jewish burial, a very important Mitzvah.
Thank you to all those that helped make this happen!
Dedication and consecration of a new Jewish burial ground at the Wollongong Lawn Cemetery.
Rabbi Ulman leads the consecration ceremony. In his hand is a Shofar, which is used during the ceremony.
Members of the Jewish community circle the burial grounds as part of the consecration of a new Jewish burial at the Wollongong cemetery.
Rabbi Menachem Aron helps Paul Rybak lay the Tefillin and say the Shema.
Members of the community at the consecration service of the new Jewish burial ground in Wollongong.
Members of the community at the consecration service of the new Jewish burial ground in Wollongong.