CLEVELAND – There is no greater mitzvah (good deed) than caring for those who came before us. Volunteers are needed for the Annual Fall Cemetery Cleanup hosted by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Jewish Volunteer Network and the Commission on Cemetery Preservation (COCP). The event will take place on Sunday, September 10 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Chesed Shel Emeth (3740 Ridge Road, Cleveland), also known as Ridge Rd. 1. All ages are welcome to participate in this community-wide event, rain or shine.

Volunteers are asked to bring weed trimmers, shovels, clippers, hedgers, gloves, wheelbarrows, and other gardening tools to help prune, rake, and beautify the cemetery grounds in time for the Jewish holy days. Shaimos (holy writings, words of Torah, and Holy Objects) will be collected at the Cemetery Cleanup and subsequently buried at the cemetery as a sign of reverence and respect according to Jewish law.

Past Cemetery Cleanup events have attracted hundreds of people across generations and denominations. Preserving cemeteries is considered one of the most righteous acts of chesed (kindness).

The Federation has launched a Cemetery Preservation Campaign with the goal of raising $3.5 million to honor the deceased and ensure ongoing care of the cemeteries under the COCP’s jurisdiction. COCP has been broadening their role in cemetery preservation, and is responsible for the upkeep of over 15,000 graves with the jurisdiction of seven Jewish cemeteries. To make a donation to the Cemetery Preservation Campaign, visit www.jewishcleveland.org/cemetery.

Event Chairs are Dan Brown, Jeff Morris, and Judy and Marv Solganik.

To learn more or register, visit www.jewishcleveland.org, email volunteer@jcfcleve.org , or call 216-593-2887.