Koch's Psak Halacha

The New York Times, in 2008, ran a piece about Ed Koch's burial plans that includes the surprising news that he asked for rabbinic guidance and accepted it.

Mr. Koch chose a plot on what he described as a “small mountain” overlooking Amsterdam Avenue, and he researched the propriety of being buried in a non-Jewish cemetery. 

“I called a number of rabbis to see if this was doable,” he said. “I was going to do it anyway, but it would be nice if it were doable traditionally.” 

He said he had been advised to request that the gate nearest his plot be inscribed as “the gate for the Jews,” and the cemetery agreed. 

He was also instructed to have rails installed around his plot, so he ordered them.

HT: Kweansmom

Search for more information about Edward I. Koch, Mayor of the City of New York  at4torah.com