If you take a really close look next time you drive on Caranetta, you’ll see the very last piece of property in Lakewood. And, after some research it looks like that’s not going to change anytime soon.
From a distance, one can see a lone American flag emerging from in between the scattered trees. Walk a little closer and you’ll find a granite headstone marking the grave of “Henry Hoft” deceased in April, 1865!!
But wait, that’s not all.
According to official records, the location between Caranetta and South Lake Drive is the former site of Bergen Iron Works, the major manufacturer during the 1800’s. The plant went through difficult times and at some point the area was used as a cemetery. Official records show that 27 people were buried there from 1858 until 1872!!
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(The Lakewood Shopper contributed to this story)
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5 Responses
Kohanim will now need to keep away.
Its not the only factory…i dug in my back yard and found a shoe company…there were still people working there actually..maybe i hit china-who knows…
Correct me if I’m wrong, but based on that little symbol on top of Mr. Hoft’s tombstone, a kohen is not forbidden from entering the area, unless it is certain that one of the 27 people buried there is a Yid.
Tum’as ohel is only for a Jewish mes; a non-Jewish mes is only metameh with negiah.
Personally, I don’t think it matters of which belief we come from or practice, all graves should certainly be respected. This is basic behavior which should be practiced by ALL involved. It would bother me if someone were to build upon my father’s grave or known ancestors. If we didn’t know, then thats a different story. But if we find out, before hand, than we must act accordingly.
Whether its to merely leave a stone upon the grave marking, or fresh flowers to show our visit to a loved ones grave – how can we not respect such?
Please don’t misunderstand, I have not read any such disrespect from any poster here – these are merely my own personal thoughts on the article above. 🙂
humble
humble angel we wernt dicussing destroying anything. The matter at hand is whether a jew from a priestly family can walk there. The torah law is a priest (kohein) cannot walk near a jewish grave.