Chesed Shel Emeth Society announces the May 8 opening of Beth Shalom Cemetery, located within the grounds of Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road in Chesterfield. Beth Shalom is open to members of the Jewish community, including those converted by rabbis of all denominations.

Beth Shalom was established by the Chesed Shel Emeth Society, which governs the administration of its Orthodox cemetery. The new cemetery will share the same board of directors, office and maintenance. There will be no change in the care and burial currently offered to all families.

Orthodox cemeteries follow Orthodox Jewish law which states a Jew of any denomination is offered burial. However, converted Jews needed to be converted by an Orthodox rabbi.

Therefore the Chesed Shel Emeth Society set out to seek a remedy. After some deliberation, the concept of establishing an independent, separate new cemetery came to light. This cemetery would permit the burial of not only those born of Jewish faith, but those converted by Reform, Conservative, Reconsructionist, as well as Orthodox, rabbis. It is governed by its own covenants, is physically in its own section, centrally positioned within Chesed Shel Emeth.

Prior to the May 8 opening of Beth Shalom, there will be a dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 1. The ceremony includes refreshments, after which those attending may view the grounds. There will be Beth Shalom board members and staff available to answer questions. The opening and dedication ceremony is open to the public. RSVPs to Stanley Citerman at 314-469-1891 are encouraged. Questions concerning individual circumstances regarding burial, plot selection and purchase at either cemetery, also may be directed to Citerman.