Jewish cemeteries and sections in Sydney
A comprehensive guide to Jewish burial across Sydney. It covers where Jewish sections are found in the city’s cemeteries, what a plot costs, the customs and monument traditions observed, and how to arrange a matzevah through a monumental mason.
Jewish burials in Sydney
A Jewish burial in Sydney involves two organisations. The Chevra Kadisha, the Jewish burial society, carries out the ritual preparation (tahara) and the burial service, in keeping with Jewish law and tradition. The plot itself, the right of interment, is purchased through the cemetery operator, Metropolitan Memorial Parks, which runs the main cemeteries with Jewish sections, including Rookwood, Macquarie Park, Eastern Suburbs, Woronora and Frenchs Forest.
Compare Jewish sections across Sydney
Where Jewish burials are available, with the indicative lawn plot cost. The largest and most established grounds are listed first.
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Indicative right of interment + burial where published; excludes the headstone. “Contact” = operator quotes on request.
The monument designs, symbolism, inscriptions and customs specific to Jewish graves in Sydney.
Read the Jewish headstones guide →Need to organise a Jewish headstone? Let our experts guide you through the process.
What to know about Jewish burials
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Jewish burial?
Jewish burial follows long-standing tradition emphasising promptness, simplicity and respect for the deceased.
Who arranges a Jewish burial in Sydney?
The Chevra Kadisha, the Jewish burial society, carries out the ritual preparation (tahara) and the burial itself, in keeping with Jewish law. The plot, the right of interment, is purchased through the cemetery operator, Metropolitan Memorial Parks, which runs the main Sydney cemeteries with Jewish sections.
Are Jewish people cremated?
Traditional Jewish law calls for burial in the ground, and cremation is not practised in observant tradition. The Chevra Kadisha carries out burials, not cremations.
When should the consecration (unveiling) of the headstone be?
The matzevah is consecrated, or unveiled, within the first year, and many families hold the consecration around the first yahrzeit, the anniversary of the death. It can be earlier, and practice varies between communities, so confirm the timing with the family's rabbi or the Chevra Kadisha.
When should you visit the grave?
There is no fixed rule, but graves are traditionally visited around the yahrzeit and in the lead-up to the High Holy Days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as well as at the consecration. Rather than flowers, visitors place a small stone on the matzevah as a mark of remembrance.