History is being made today as the new Har Shalom Cemetery in the Airmont area of Monsey inaugurates a massive beis hachaim, which, at 20 acres and 20,000 burial plots, will be the largest Shomer Shabbos owned cemetery in the United States.

This new cemetery comes after much toil on the part of askonim, and extensive excavation work to clear the space.

Ten kehillos have already purchased plots at the cemetery, Representatives of Rachmistrivka Kehilla, chassidim of Dinover Rebbe of Williasmsburg, and Kehal Tzemach Tzadik-Viznitz, followers of Rebbe Yisroel, shlit”a of Bnei Brak, were on hand today as Har Shalom was “mechanech the news cemetery.

Purchasing a burial plot is widely seen as a segulah for long life, according to seforim. It is also customary to fast (at least part of the day), and give tzeddakah as a zechus. There are also many customs, according to kabbalah that are part of this process.

Ten acres have already been cleared and seeded with grass, and the remaining ten are in the process. A chapel is planned, as well as a hall for families wishing to host yahrtzeit and shloshim seudas following visiting the graves of loved ones.