Lawn cemetery – Ask the Rabbi
Q. Is a lawn cemetery permissible in Jewish law?
A. Yes, subject to the following conditions, quoted from a ruling by Chief Rabbi Lord Jakobovits:
1. The whole of the grave space must be clearly marked and identified.
2. Each grave should be indicated by at least a small headstone which can be flat and on a level with the grass.
3. The cutting of the grass over the grave must be carried out in such a manner that no human feet step on any part of the grave although they can step over it.
4. No benefit is to be derived from anything removed from the grave, so that grass cuttings taken therefrom should be burnt or otherwise destroyed.
