Jewish Cemetery & Burial Association of Greater Pittsburgh

The Jewish Cemetery & Burial Association of Greater Pittsburgh (JCBA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Jewish cemeteries and ensuring dignified burials for those in need. Founded in 1992 through the merger of the United Jewish Federation Cemetery Association and the Hebrew Burial Association of Pittsburgh, the JCBA plays a crucial role in maintaining Jewish heritage sites across the region.

History

The JCBA began with a mission similar to its predecessor, the Hebrew Burial Association, which aimed to provide burials to those who could not otherwise afford them. This mission was initially undertaken by Chesed Shel Emeth of Pittsburgh, established on June 4, 1910. The organization's origins highlight the historical need for a central group to oversee Jewish cemeteries, especially as congregations and organizations with declining memberships often struggled to maintain their cemeteries.

Cemeteries Managed

The JCBA initially managed two cemeteries: the old Chesed Shel Emeth on Seavey Road in Shaler Township, established in 1853, and the new Chesed Shel Emeth on Oakwood Street, which began operations on January 1, 1918. Over the years, the JCBA has expanded its oversight to include numerous other cemeteries across the region:

• Workmen’s Circle Branch #975 cemetery on Hoffman Road in Reserve Township
• Steinfeld Cemetery in New Brighton, PA, acquired in 1997
• Workmen’s Circle Branch #45 cemetery and Agudath Achim cemetery, transferred to JCBA in 2009
• Multiple cemeteries in Pittsburgh, such as Beth Abraham, Shaare Zedeck, Marks, and Machsikei HaDas, acquired in 2010
• B’nai Israel cemetery in Steubenville, Ohio, acquired in 2015
• Anshe Lubovitz cemetery, Ahavas Achim, and others added in subsequent years
• Most recently, several cemeteries in Johnstown, PA, and additional sites in Pennsylvania were transferred under JCBA's management.

Mission and Impact

The JCBA's mission is twofold: to provide dignified burials in accordance with Jewish customs and to maintain Jewish cemeteries that are at risk of abandonment due to declining congregational resources. This involves not only the upkeep of existing cemeteries but also the acquisition and preservation of cemeteries where local groups can no longer manage them.

Financial Status

As of its latest fiscal year, the JCBA reported revenues of approximately $1.4 million, with expenses of about $986,000, indicating a healthy financial position with no liabilities and total assets valued at $4.9 million[3]. The organization relies on contributions, program services, and investment income for its revenue.

Affiliations

The JCBA became a LIFE & LEGACY® Partner in 2022, further solidifying its commitment to ensuring the long-term preservation of Jewish cemeteries and traditions[4]. This partnership underscores the organization's dedication to maintaining a strong legacy for future generations.

[1] https://jcbapgh.org [2] https://jcbapgh.org/about-jcba/ [3] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/251692278 [4] https://jewishpgh.org/jewish-cemetery-burial-association/ [5] https://rauhjewisharchives.org/entry/cemeteries/