After our summer of record-breaking heat and drought, ended with a month of (what felt like) nonstop rain, we were hardly surprised by October 1's bone-chillingly cool weather. Perhaps we had hoped for a bit of the sparkling early autumn weather of yore - yet this weather seemed almost "right" in it's unpredictibility. In any case, as the crowds of faithful arrived to attend this year's High Holy Days Service, we considered an 11th hour decision to move indoors. Yet we hesitated, observing that most of the arrivals appeared aptly dressed for the weather, and mindful that squeezing 200 well-bundled folks into the chapel might well unleash the "law of unintended consequences..." Then, the sun rose higher, easing the chill with an occassional "peek" through the clouds, and worries seemed to evaporate. The officiating clergy did a superb job - and we've little doubt that the occassional sprinkle and gust were quickly forgotten as the program of song, sermon, and prayer blossomed into life. Our thanks go out to all who braved the elements to be with us, and especially to the following clergy:

Rabbi Adam J. Raskin		HAR SHALOM
Hazzan Henrique Ozur Bass		HAR SHALOM
Rabbi Charles M. Feinberg		ADAS ISRAEL
Rabbi Michael J. Safra		ADAS ISRAEL
Rabbi Ari Sunshine		B'NAI SHALOM OF OLNEY
Hazzan Sara Geller		B'NAI SHALOM OF OLNEY

"3-Year Paving Plan" Late last year we completed the repaving of "old Judean" - roadway extending from the offices, past Blocks 1 thru 6. The final phase will be to "seal" the entire roadway thus extending its life, which will be accomplised in late 2011 or early 2012.
"Green Zone" (ICC and Georgia Avenue) We are cointinuing to raise the ground level above Section 10, along Georgia avenue, after the ICC exit ramp intersection. The "good news" is that the ICC has apparently finished grading with a resulting, substantial drop-off from cemetery property to the road level - which should help reduce the traffic noise. Less good is the lack of a final landscaping plan from the ICC. This has forced the cemetery to adopt a "wait and see" strategy for our own countermeasures which will include installation of trees, shrubbry, and even possible wall/fence construction. For example, we are waiting for ICC to replace numerous tress that it previously removed along Georgia Avenue - so that we can plan additional trees most effectively. Nor are we certain whether ICC will commence new grading operations for the construction of a walkway/bike path that has been mentioned in the past. When we have confirmation of these plans we will be able to fully implement efforts to reduce possible noise from the planned ICC ramp traffic, as well as the current Georgia Avenue traffic.
We Appreciate You! A huge thanks to our Judean families, for their gracious patience and understanding as we all coped with last year's neighboring construction project. Today we have an impressive new neighbor - and fortunately, a quiet one. It seems the students spend most of their time indoors. We have worked with the School's administration to help create a special "Green buffer area" that will enhance the beauty as well as the privacy and the security of both facilities.
Chapel more beautful in bad weather... When the weather turns unexpectedly, the chapel has been there to help families stay warm (or cool) and dry during their services. Convenience is another good reason families are scheduling their services at Judean. Having the Memorial Service and Burial at the same location offers a host of practical benefits for families, including reduced driving time, easier parking and access for your guests, a comfortable, private, Family Room, and more.
Time-Savers No one at the time of need is required to come to the cemetery. Items that must be purchased before a burial takes place can be completed by phone. Charges that are due can be charged by phone. Interment authorizations can be faxed to the family or the funeral home for signature. If a death occurs on the Sabbath, the family or the Rabbi can call the Memorial Counselor or the Director after the Sabbath, for orthodox families in our upright monument monument section we will accommodate next day burial whenever possible if called immediately after the Sabbath ends.
If your Synagogue's sites are located at a cemetery that you find geographically inconvenient, ask about our Synagogue sections.. Many Synagogues own sites at Judean in premium locations, and specially priced for their members.
Our recently opened Family Estates section continues to grow. The Family Estates consist of 8 to 20 sites per family and a bench with the family name. We currently have beautiful sections available for synagogues as well as individuals.
Looking ahead: Judean has experienced steady growth since our inception in 1975, reaching a "half-way point" of development with the millinium. Today, our long range developement plan, with developed, as well as undeveloped lands, works to assure availability for decades to come.

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