Volunteer
CAJAC’s work to preserve and protect endangered cemeteries has been possible only through the efforts of dedicated volunteers of all ages who assist with clearing overgrowth and refuse, record-keeping, raising awareness, accounting, communications, and much more. Participants in this noble work have unanimously attested to how moving and meaningful it has been. Won’t you join us? Drop us a line here.
Getting Started
by Ronny Herskovits
My brother Steve Herskovits, a founding member of the Chai Riders Motorcycle Club, attended a panel event at a Manhattan synagogue in February 2008 with the radio personality and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa. In passing, Sliwa happened to mention what a shame it was that the landmark Bayside Cemetery, a 150-year old grounds in Ozone Park, was in such a rundown. Because the Chai Riders try to include benevolent activites along with their joy rides, Steve arranged a clean-up outing for the club, and, expert handler that he is, procured the necessary tools.
Steve invited me to attend, and I came along with my son Judah. There was a modest turnout at the cemetery that fall day, and we discovered a challenge so difficult that any effort involving fewer than thirty amateurs working on a weekly basis would be overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem. The flora alone would grow faster than we could clear it.
After an interval for the winter, we resumed our efforts on May 3. The project was advertised to the Chai Riders, various synagogues in Brooklyn, and the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, where I am a member. We were especially lucky to get the enthusiastic support of Rabbi Yisroel Kaminetsky of DRS High School in Woodmere, which my son Judah attends. Busloads of DRS students have greatly aided the cleanup effort.
Ace Hardware in Deer Park kindly discounted their prices to help with tools and gloves. Other pitched in with bottled water and snacks. In just three weeks, we were able to see progress. Headstones that were previously buried under brush were now visible.
The experience has been tremendously moving for everyone involved, especially the youth. It has also been educational. We have encountered numerous issues related to Jewish law and traditions of respect for the dead–for example, what to do with fallen headstones, how to handle growth in front of headstones, etc. While consulting about such matters with Rabbi Elchonon Zohn of the Chevra Kadisha, he introduced me to CAJAC.
Now we are pleased to be able to work alongside other volunteers and the conscientious professsionals of the Capilleri landscapers to help restore this cemetery to a dignified state.
