Perpetual Memorials

Remembering in Community:

In Jewish tradition, we do not mourn alone. When we rise to say Kaddish, we speak the names of those we have lost in the presence of a community that holds them with us. Kaddish never mentions death. It praises God and affirms life, and in saying it we help keep the people we love part of the life of our congregation.

A Perpetual Memorial makes sure your loved one will always be remembered this way. Each year at the time of their Yahrzeit, their name will be read aloud at Shabbat services and their plaque will hang on the Memorial Wall in our Chapel and Sanctuary. Long after we are gone, Congregation Beth Emeth will still be saying their name.

Perpetual Memorials can be established with a gift of $850. To create a Perpetual Memorial, you may complete the downloadable form available on this page, fill out the online form (link below), or contact our office for assistance.

Online Perpetual Memorial Form→

Download the Perpetual Memorial Form→ - fill it out and return it to the temple in establishing a perpetual memorial for your loved one.

Alternatively, you may reach out to Siobhan Shea at: 518.436.9761 x240 or Siobhan@CBEAlbany.org for assistance in setting up a perpetual memorial.

If you would prefer not to establish a Perpetual Memorial, your loved one's name can be read by calling our office at 518.436.9761 x240 and asking our team to add your loved one's name to our Kaddish list for Shabbat Services the week of their Yahrzeit. This alternative service is done at no cost to you.

*Please note: If you would like your loved one's name added to our Kaddish list and read at a certain Shabbat, please call the office no later than 48 hours in advance, and no more than six weeks before the Shabbat date.

What does a Perpetual Memorial Provide?

• A special Memorial Plaque will be made with your loved one's name and Yahrzeit date and will be hung annually on the Memorial Wall in the Chapel during the Yahrzeit week.
  * Example: If someone's Yahrzeit is Sunday, February 7 or Saturday, February 14, the name will be read on Friday, February 12.
• Your loved one's name(s) will be listed in The Bulletin in the month of the Yahrzeit observance.
• A reminder of your loved one's Yahrzeit will be sent to you and any family members you designate approximately 6 weeks before the anniversary date.
• Each year during the Shabbat Services the week of the Yahrzeit, the name of your loved one is recited as part of the Kaddish list.
• If you are unable to attend on the week of your loved one's Yahrzeit, you may request we move the reading of their name to an alternate week around the anniversary date.

Understanding Perpetual Memorials

Do we use the Hebrew or secular date?

The family decides. If they list the secular date, that is what will be used. If they list the Hebrew date, that is what will be used.

Can non- members establish a Perpetual Memorial?

Yes, please reach out to our office with any questions.

Is the gift tax-deductible?

Yes

Can people pay online, or only with the physical form?

You may pay online using the form listed above or you may submit the paper form with your payment.

Can families visit the Memorial Wall outside the Yahrzeit week?

Yes, there is a wall in the Sanctuary as well as the Chapel. The plaques will be hung in either depending on where the service for the week will take place. Plaques are updated on Tuesdays for the week's Shabbat.