Recently, overhanging branches along streets bordering Washington Cemetery and Greenwood Cemetery, located on the outskirts of Boro Park and Midwood, have prevented Kohanim from traveling along these roads. Although they were trimmed in past years, the branches have regrown, forcing Kohanim to use alternate routes because of the halachic issue of tumah.

Due to the continued advocacy of Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, and under the strict guidance of Rabbi Yitzchok Stein Shlita, Supervisor of Va’ad Mishmeres Kahuna, Rov and Rosh Bais Din of Foltichen, we are pleased to announce that the trees have been trimmed once again and Kohanim will now be able to travel on the following street lanes along the cemeteries:

Washington Cemetery:

Bay Parkway between East 3rd Street and McDonald Avenue: Outside lane only (cemetery side)

Bay Parkway between McDonald Avenue and 57th Street: Outside lanes in both directions

20th Avenue between 54th and 57th Streets: Travel lanes in both directions (not parking lanes or sidewalk)

Ocean Parkway between Avenue J and Avenue L: Southbound service lane

Greenwood Cemetery:

McDonald Avenue between 20th Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway: Both driving lanes along the cemetery (not parking lane)

Fort Hamilton Parkway between McDonald Avenue and 37th Street: Both lanes

Rabbi Stein and Assemblyman Eichenstein extend their gratitude to all those who helped resolve these issues, making travel along these routes more convenient and worry-free for Kohanim, especially Rabbi Wolf Elya Meyer, Rabbi Chaim Moshe Rokach, NYC Parks Department and the leadership of Greenwood and Washington Cemeteries.

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