Deal Reached On NJ Jewish Burials

Cemetery operators, rabbis and lawmakers have signed an agreement on several aspects of a years-long dispute surrounding burials in New Jersey's largest Jewish cemeteries.

The cemeteries have agreed to try to allow off-hour burials, including on Sundays and secular holidays.

The rabbis say such limitations affect Jews more because of religious restrictions on certain burial days and an obligation to bury people within 24 hours after death.

The agreement does not address complaints about higher prices.

Cemetery owners say they incur added costs for off-schedule burials, including unionized worker overtime.

The agreement was announced Friday by Sen. Loretta Weinberg and Assemblyman Gary Schaer. It was signed by three of the state's largest Jewish cemeteries.

Weinberg says she'll continue to push related legislation. Friday's agreement is not legally enforceable.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)