In preparation for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Weinstein Funeral Home is hosting a Geniza ceremony at Memorial Park Cemetery, 9900 Gross Point Road, in Skokie.

A Geniza is a Jewish ritual in which used books, clothing and other items are donated by members of the community and buried in a sacred place to benefit both the community and future generations. An estimated three tons of donated items will be placed inside caskets and buried in plots donated by Memorial Park Cemetery.

The children of Keshet will participate in the ritual by assisting with the burial of the donated items. All items for the Geniza are being collected by Weinstein Funeral Home. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and take part in this sacred ceremony.

Rabbi Jeffrey Weill of Ezra-Habonim, Niles Township Jewish Congregation, will lead the ceremony. Local elected officials also are expected to attend as well.

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on Aug. 22 and ends about one hour later. Participants are encouraged to attend and gather near the "Gates in Heaven" section of the cemetery, near Gross Point and Old Orchard roads.

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