Jewish Cemeteries

Jewish cemeteries are considered sacred ground. Ground there is not to be disturbed and graves are not to be cleared. Many traditions relating to them have changed, but much stays the same.

In early times they were located outside of the city. This was the tradition with other cemeteries as well. However, there is a Jewish tradition, although not strictly followed in modern times, of burying people with their feet in the direction of Jerusalem.

During Haskala, tombstones were marked in Hebrew and in the regional language. They are owned by the Jewish community and rules and regulations are governed by a duly authorized Board of Directors. Only Jewish clergy or lay people may officiate at a burial service or any other religious service on the grounds. Furthermore, they are closed on all major holidays observed by Jewish people.

Upon visitation, small stones are left in remembrance. This is a manifestation of olden days when bodies were buried in only a shroud. Visitors would stack stones upon the deceased to build up their memory and ensure safety of the body from animals.

In Europe, large cemeteries can be found in Budapest. In the United States, one of the oldest can be found in Ohio.