The Beth El Mausoleum is a tranquil and beautiful place to visit and remember loved ones. As the only mausoleum in the United States to be built on sacred temple grounds, the convenient location of the Beth El Mausoleum in Boca Raton, Florida is only steps away from Temple Beth El of Boca Raton. As part of the greater Jewish community, this sacred location offers a comforting place of belonging, as well as a place of healing.
In real estate there is a popular phrase mentioned often when people are in the midst of deciding where they want to live. It is: “Location, location, location.”
Interestingly, when choosing a final resting place, according to Mike Sirowitz, Director of the Beth El Mausoleum in Boca Raton, Florida, “It is important to understand that the location is of little consequence to the deceased. However, it is of great importance to those who are left behind. And for those who are making pre-need arrangements for themselves, there is the comfort and peace of mind felt while they are alive.”
That is why it is important that the decision to choose one of our Sacred Spaces for that final resting place is determined by the priorities of the person making the arrangements. When touring the Mausoleum you will see all of them, so you can make the best decision for your personal needs.
The scenic outdoor views from each location – inside or out- are all peaceful and conducive to quiet meditation, which is a great comfort in making the decision.
Whether for pre-need or at-need, everyone has different priorities and values. The bottom line is always to think of who will be visiting. As opposed to when you are choosing the location of a home to live in …this location is an eternal home. Visitors for generations to come will be the ones who are experiencing the choice you have made for your personal final resting place.
Price Considerations
Generally speaking, Mike tells us that “a determining factor in choosing a location could be price. For some it is a key budget point, for others price is of no concern. Typically, indoors (air-conditioned and protected from the elements) is more expensive than outdoors, ground floor is more expensive than second floor, and on any given wall, the lower rows that can be touched are more expensive than upper rows.”
Beyond price, there are other considerations that those who have made their final arrangements at the Beth El Mausoleum have used to make their decision.
Some people prefer the great outdoors, as they feel it is closer to nature and a bit more traditional…akin to being in a cemetery. They also like the fact that they can come visit at any time, as the outdoor spaces are always “open” for visitation during daylight hours. Those who select the outdoor Asher Family Rotunda find the appeal of the water and the sound of the fountain to be a big draw.
The beautiful indoor spaces are desirable to some people because it is so quiet and peaceful, and provides the comfort of an air-conditioned space in our warm, tropical, Boca Raton climate. Those that choose to be indoors and upstairs find the natural light from skylights very pleasing. Some like the option of being near the door so they can also see the sky and lush trees outside.
Then of course the decision to be on the ground floor inside takes into account that it is easier to access, and a low row inside or outside allows the visitor to touch the final resting space and engraving, for a more intimate experience.
The Beth El Mausoleum has a variety of both indoor and outdoor sacred space location choices for the Jewish community to consider. When touring the Mausoleum you will see all of them, so you can make the best decision for your personal needs.
Two-Story Indoor Building
As you enter this air-conditioned, exquisite sacred space, a short walk down the tree-lined hill from Temple Beth El of Boca Raton, you will immediately notice the stained-glass windows which splash polished marble walls and carpeted floors with a rainbow of color, as skylights add peaceful natural light. Decorator benches accent the corridors and are available for rest and meditation. From the exterior balcony, the views of the sky and treetops provide a hushed, natural refuge for meditation and peace. For those seeking an all-weather-friendly location, choosing an indoor space may be part of your decision process.
Senville Chapel
A brick walkway inlaid with the Star of David along with a piece of the cornerstone of the Biblical site of Beth El in Israel links this final resting place to our eternal heritage. The focal point of this serene outdoor space features a breeze-filled corridor that offers the choice for both crypts and niches, which is very appealing to those who choose cremation as an option. Bright skylights enhance the lighting and the spiritual connection to nature.
Breezeways
This tranquil outdoor space which includes several gated semi-private Family Legacy areas, has two shaded Breezeways, where distant sounds of the Joyce Throne Memorial Garden waterfall drift in, creating calm and reflective surroundings for visitation. Herringbone brick walkways are bordered by flowering trees and shrubs and accented with marble engraved benches memorializing loved ones.
Asher Family Rotunda
A perfect spot for quiet meditation, the Tree of Remembrance with its memorialized leaves watches peacefully over loved ones. Soothing sounds of the splash of water can be heard from a tiered fountain surrounded by black marble memorial benches.
Tree of Life Gardens
Surrounded by park benches and shade trees, is the scenic Tree of Life Gardens, located behind the Indoor Mausoleum. The exterior staircase is gloriously painted with the Tree of Life, replicated from the cover of the Torah inside the ark at Temple Beth El, and reminiscent of the idea that all forms of creation are connected, both living and departed.
Additionally should you want to create a Family Legacy section ensuring the continuity of tradition from generation to generation, gated private or semi-private spaces for you or your loved ones are available in many locations at the Beth El Mausoleum in Boca Raton, Florida.
As you or your loved ones give consideration to those who will come to visit now and in the years to come, the choice of location is truly a dual one. You certainly may have a preference for yourself; but in doing so, keep in mind what you want your visitors to be able to experience as well. These are understandably difficult choices, but as always, best made in advance rather than under duress.
When you are ready to consider pre-need arrangements or if your need is immediate, we are ready to help you. Contact us for an in-person tour here in Boca Raton, Florida or to schedule a telephone or Zoom video conference with our compassionate and knowledgeable Beth El Mausoleum Director, Mike Sirowitz. He will be invaluable in assisting you in selecting the perfect location that suits your needs. Mike can be reached by telephone at 561-391-8901 or email him at [email protected].
