One of the first responsibilities of a synagogue is to establish a Jewish cemetery. Temple Beth El now has two. Our first cemetery, Beit Shalom (Home of Peace) was consecrated in 1877. When Beit Shalom started to fill up, we found and purchased a new cemetery, Beit Olam (Eternal Home) to ensure that Jewish people in Santa Cruz County would have a burial place in the future.

In observance of Jewish law, or cemeteries are closed from dusk to dusk on the Sabbath (Friday night to Saturday night).

Beit Shalom (Home of Peace) Cemetery—on Meder Street on the west side of Santa Cruz. Acquired by a few Jewish families in 1877, it contains the family plot of Moses Meder (a non-Jew), who gave it to the Jewish community on the condition that his family plot could be within it. This peaceful cemetery is now reserved as a privilege of membership for Temple Beth El members. This cemetery is so lovely that many people find its rustic beauty a source of comfort and inspiration. For information about burial and plots here, contact Pacific Gardens Chapel (run by Benito and Azarro) at 423-5721.

Beit Olam (Eternal Home) Cemetery—on Old San Jose Road in Soquel. Beit Olam (Eternal Home), is a newly established Jewish section in the historic Soquel Cemetery, which dates to the early 1800s. We negotiated this new area in 2001 to meet the need for more burial space to serve the entire Jewish community.  Our section of the cemetery is slated for landscaping to enclose and beautify it. Burial here is open to all Jews. The pricing has several tiers depending on your affiliation and location. Temple Beth El members benefit the most. For information about burial and plots here, contact Mark Birns at 688-8026.

People who have been members of Temple Beth El for at least two years may purchase plots at Beit Shalom and qualify for member discounts at Beit Olam.