The burial crisis in Israel began several years ago and one of the cities hardest hit is Jerusalem. As a result, burial costs are increasing due to the lack of below-ground kevarim. With government approval, above ground burial structures have been erected and in use, as one can see in Har Menuchos for example. In many cases, one is offered free burial in such a structure but if one wishes to have their loved one interred in a traditional fashion, below ground in a single kever, one will have to pay handsomely.

It is pointed out that while in the past Har HaZeisim was not available, ironically today one can receive below-ground kvura for free as few take advantage of the option due to security risks associated with visiting a kever in that location.

Kikar Shabbos News tried to determine why a very large above-ground multi-level structure remains empty, questioning if it is due to halachic or other concerns.

It is reported that Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita and Jerusalem Chief Sephardi Rabbi Shlomo Amar Shlita visited the structure to determine its halachic integrity. It is explained the above ground plots must be a minimum of “4 tzol” (approximately four inches) to provide halachic connectivity between the burial plots and the ground. If this requirement is met, the persons are viewed as buried in the ground despite being a multi-level structure.

Yossi Gil of the Eida Sephardi Chevra Kadisha reports Rav Amar has determined the connection meets the minimum requirement, 4 tzol, but detected a problem. Rav Amar asked Gil to show him ‘4 tzol’ and then the rav turned to workers involved in the ongoing construction, and they told him the connection line is 1½ and not 4 tzol as required. He then deducted Gil was not being honest in showing him the minimum measurement.

Rav Amar then told Gil abruptly that unfortunately, he can no longer rely on him and he turned around and the rabbonim left, cutting their visit to the building short without giving a hechsher on it. The Eida Sephardi Chevra Kadisha was given the tenure to construct the building on behalf of eleven chevra kadishas.

Rav Amar’s office confirms this, adding the chevra kadisha has been instructed to submit an amended plan to address the halachic issues to the rav and this plan has yet to arrive in Rav Amar’s office.

Kikar quotes officials from the Eida Sephardi Chevra Kadisha insisting the connecting line is 4 tzol as required by halacha and this can easily be verified by anyone wishing to measure it.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)