Death isn't exactly a fun topic. Most of us spend our lives actively avoiding the thought of it until we’re forced to face a funeral director across a mahogany desk. But in the Jewish community of the Twin Cities, specifically within the Conservative tradition, the Temple of Aaron Cemetery is more than just a plot of land in Roseville. It’s a repository of memory. If you've lived in St. Paul for any length of time, you likely know the Temple of Aaron synagogue—that iconic, mid-century modern architectural marvel on Mississippi River Boulevard. Its cemetery, however, is tucked away, quiet and unassuming, carrying a different kind of weight.
It is located at 1690 Dale Street North.
Finding the right spot for a loved one is stressful. It’s emotional. Honestly, it’s kinda overwhelming because you aren’t just buying dirt; you’re joining a lineage. This particular cemetery has been the final resting place for generations of St. Paul’s Jewish families, and because it’s a consecrated ground under the auspices of a Conservative congregation, there are specific "rules of the road" that catch people off guard.
The Reality of Conservative Jewish Burial Standards
A lot of people think all Jewish cemeteries are the same. They aren't.
Because the Temple of Aaron is a Conservative congregation, the cemetery follows halakhah (Jewish law) as interpreted by the Conservative movement. This means you won’t find the ultra-strict, often separate sections for men and women sometimes seen in Orthodox circles, but you also won't find the more relaxed "anything goes" vibe of a secular or some Reform memorial parks.
One thing that surprises people? The "Plain Pine Box."
In the Jewish tradition of K'vod HaMet (honoring the dead), there’s a heavy emphasis on equality. Rich or poor, everyone is supposed to be equal in death. At the Temple of Aaron Cemetery, you’ll notice a lot of traditional burials using simple wooden caskets. Metal is generally avoided because it doesn't decompose naturally, and the goal is to return to the earth. "Dust to dust" isn't just a poetic line here; it's a structural requirement.
Why the Dale Street Location Matters
Location is everything, even when you're gone. The cemetery is situated in Roseville, which is basically the "cemetery hub" of the northern Twin Cities metro. It sits right near several other Jewish and secular cemeteries, including Chesed Shel Emeth and Sons of Jacob.
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It's crowded. Not in a "traffic jam" way, but in a historical way.
When you walk through the gates, you see names that built St. Paul. You see the merchants, the doctors, and the families who moved from the old West Side flats up to Highland Park and eventually out to the suburbs. The grounds are meticulously kept. That matters because, let’s be real, nothing is more depressing than a neglected graveyard. The Temple of Aaron congregation takes a lot of pride in the perpetual care of this site. They have a dedicated cemetery committee that handles the nitty-gritty details that most of us don't want to think about, like lawn maintenance and headstone leveling.
The Headstone Situation
Wait, don't rush to buy a monument.
Most people don't realize there is a waiting period. In Jewish tradition, the "unveiling" of the headstone usually happens around the first anniversary of the death. At Temple of Aaron Cemetery, there are specific regulations regarding the size and style of monuments. You can't just drop a 10-foot tall neon obelisk in there.
- Monuments must be made of approved granite or bronze.
- Inscriptions usually include the Hebrew name of the deceased and their parents.
- The "double-marker" is common for spouses, but it has to fit the aesthetic of the surrounding plots.
The goal is a sense of harmony. When you look across the rows, nothing is supposed to scream for attention. It’s about the collective community, not individual ego.
Managing the Logistics (The Part Everyone Hates)
Let’s talk money and paperwork for a second. It's awkward, but necessary.
To be buried at the Temple of Aaron Cemetery, you generally need to be a member of the congregation, or at least have a strong family tie to it. Membership has its perks, and one of those is a significantly lower price for burial plots. If you aren't a member, the costs can jump up quite a bit. Basically, the synagogue prioritizes its own "family" first.
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You also have to deal with the Chevra Kadisha.
This is the "Holy Society"—the group of people who ritually wash and prepare the body for burial. It’s one of the highest mitzvahs (good deeds) in Judaism because the person being helped can never repay the favor. Temple of Aaron coordinates with local Jewish funeral homes, like Hodroff-Epstein, to ensure these traditions are followed to the letter. If you’re planning a funeral here, you aren’t just calling a business; you’re engaging a whole religious infrastructure.
Common Misconceptions About the Grounds
I've heard people ask if you can be buried there if you're in an interfaith marriage.
This is a nuanced area. For a long time, Jewish cemeteries were strictly for Jews only. However, as the Conservative movement has evolved, policies have shifted to be more inclusive of non-Jewish spouses, though there are often specific sections or requirements for how those burials are handled. If you’re in this situation, you absolutely have to talk to the Rabbi at Temple of Aaron directly. Don't rely on "I heard from a friend." The rules can change based on board decisions and updated interpretations of Jewish law.
Another myth? That you can't be buried there if you have a tattoo.
Let’s clear this up: That is a total myth. Having a tattoo does not disqualify you from a Jewish burial at Temple of Aaron or pretty much any other Jewish cemetery. While the Torah technically forbids marking the skin, it is not a "sin" that bans you from the community in death. You’re fine. Relax.
The Emotional Weight of Roseville
There is something strangely comforting about the Dale Street corridor. When you visit a grave at Temple of Aaron, you aren't alone. On any given Sunday, you’ll see people placing small stones on headstones.
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Why stones?
Flowers die. Stones stay. It’s a sign that someone was there. It’s a sign that the person isn't forgotten. In a world that moves incredibly fast, the cemetery is the one place where time sort of... stops. You see stones that have been there since the 1920s and stones that were placed last week. It’s a continuum.
Practical Steps for Families
If you are currently in the position of needing to arrange a burial or are looking into pre-planning—which, honestly, is the greatest gift you can give your kids so they aren't guessing what you wanted while they're grieving—here is the workflow.
First, call the Temple of Aaron office. Don't go straight to the cemetery. The administrative staff in the synagogue office handles the records and the sales of the plots. They will tell you exactly what is available.
Second, verify your membership status. If you haven't paid dues in a decade, you might not be considered a "member in good standing," which affects your pricing.
Third, consult with the Rabbi. If you have specific questions about cremation (which is generally discouraged in Conservative Judaism) or interfaith needs, the Rabbi is the only one who can give you the "final word" on what the cemetery will allow.
Fourth, think about the monument early but don't buy it yet. Talk to the local monument companies in the Twin Cities; most of them are very familiar with Temple of Aaron’s specific height and width requirements and can guide you through what will be approved by the committee.
Lastly, take a drive out there. Seriously. Walk the grounds. See if it feels like the right "neighborhood" for your family's history. It’s a quiet, dignified place that reflects the values of the St. Paul Jewish community: tradition, modesty, and a deep respect for those who came before us.
Actionable Insights for Planning:
- Check the Deeds: If you think your grandparents bought a "family plot" decades ago, find the paperwork now. Synagogue records are good, but having your own copy saves hours of stress during a "shiva" week.
- Understand Perpetual Care: Ask the synagogue what the current fee is for perpetual care. This ensures the grass is mowed and the area is maintained forever; it’s usually a one-time fee paid at the time of the plot purchase or burial.
- Winter Burials: This is Minnesota. The ground freezes. While modern equipment makes winter burials possible, they can sometimes incur extra "frost fees" from the excavation teams. Be prepared for that potential line item on the bill.
- Coordinate with the Funeral Home: Ensure the funeral home you choose has a working relationship with Temple of Aaron. They will handle the transportation of the casket and the coordination with the cemetery caretaker, taking the logistical burden off your shoulders.