Jewish Cemeteries

Jewish cemeteries, known in Hebrew as 'beit olam' (house of eternity) or 'beit haim' (house of the living), are sacred burial grounds that follow the traditions and requirements of Jewish law (halacha). These cemeteries serve as the final resting places for members of the Jewish community and are designed to accommodate the specific burial practices that have been observed for thousands of years.

Jewish cemeteries may be affiliated with specific synagogues or Jewish organizations, or they may serve broader Jewish communities. Many are operated by Chevra Kadisha organizations, the Jewish burial societies that have traditionally been responsible for preparing the deceased for burial and ensuring proper funeral procedures.

The establishment of Jewish cemeteries has been essential to Jewish communities throughout history, often being among the first communal institutions established when Jews settled in new areas. In America, Jewish cemeteries date back to the colonial period, with the oldest Jewish cemetery in the United States located in New York City, established in 1656 by the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue.

Jewish burial traditions are rooted in biblical texts and have been refined through millennia of rabbinic interpretation and community practice. The Torah establishes the fundamental principle that burial should occur as soon as possible after death, typically within 24 hours, unless circumstances require delay. This urgency reflects beliefs about honoring the deceased and the soul's journey after death.

The tradition of Jewish cemeteries as distinct, consecrated grounds developed during the medieval period in Europe, where Jewish communities often faced restrictions on burial in general cemeteries. This separation, initially imposed externally, became an important element of Jewish communal identity and religious practice.

American Jewish cemeteries reflect the diverse nature of Jewish immigration and community development. Early Sephardic communities established cemeteries following their own traditions, while later waves of Ashkenazi immigration brought different customs. Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox communities developed their own burial grounds, sometimes with varying interpretations of traditional requirements.

Key traditions observed in Jewish cemeteries include the permanent nature of burial (Jewish law generally prohibits exhumation), the use of simple wooden caskets that allow natural decomposition, and the placement of small stones rather than flowers on graves during visits. The unveiling ceremony, typically held about a year after burial, marks the dedication of the permanent headstone.

Jewish cemeteries can be found throughout the United States, particularly in areas with significant Jewish populations. Our directory includes hundreds of Jewish cemeteries searchable by location, affiliated organization, and available services.

When searching for a Jewish cemetery for burial purposes, consider the denomination (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform) that aligns with your family's practice, as different cemeteries may have varying requirements regarding intermarriage, conversion, and other matters.

For genealogical research, JewishGen's Online Worldwide Burial Registry (JOWBR) provides a searchable database of Jewish burials worldwide, including many American cemeteries. Local Jewish historical societies and synagogue records can also help locate specific graves and cemetery information.

Visiting a Jewish cemetery involves observing certain customs and expectations that differ from other burial grounds. Understanding these traditions helps visitors show appropriate respect and participate meaningfully in the experience.

Men should wear a head covering (kippah or any hat) when visiting a Jewish cemetery, as a sign of respect and acknowledgment of God's presence. Some cemeteries provide paper kippot at the entrance for visitors who need them. Modest dress is appropriate for both men and women.

Instead of flowers, visitors traditionally place small stones on headstones they visit. This custom may originate from ancient practices of marking graves with stone cairns or symbolize the permanence of memory. Finding stones already placed on a headstone indicates that others have visited and remembered the deceased.

Prayers may be recited at gravesides, including Psalms and the memorial prayer El Maleh Rachamim. Many visitors also say Kaddish, the traditional mourner's prayer, though this typically requires a minyan (prayer quorum of ten adults) for communal recitation.

Jewish cemeteries are typically closed on Shabbat (Saturday) and Jewish holidays, when visiting graves is traditionally not permitted. Some cemeteries may also close on Friday afternoons in preparation for Shabbat.