Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery

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4001 N Clark St Chicago, Illinois

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## A Journey Through Time: Exploring the Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery in Chicago The Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery, nestled in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, offers a poignant and historically rich experience.

As Chicago’s oldest Jewish cemetery, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of a community and provides a unique glimpse into the city’s Jewish heritage.

Established in 1851, this cemetery, now part of the larger Jewish Graceland Cemetery complex, holds over 3,000 burials and represents a vital piece of Chicago’s history. **A Foundation Built on Benevolence** The cemetery’s story begins with the Hebrew Benevolent Society, founded in 1851.

This organization was dedicated to providing charitable support and dignified burial arrangements for Jewish residents of Chicago.

The establishment of the cemetery reflected the Society’s core mission – to ensure a peaceful and respectful final resting place for its members.

Initially, the cemetery was a modest space, but as the Jewish population of Chicago grew, so too did the need for this vital institution. **Location and Current Management** The cemetery is situated at 1132 Lockwood Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL, 60089.

Currently, the cemetery is managed by the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois (JGSI), with gate ownership held by Doris Weiss-Evon and the Hebrew Benevolent Society itself.

Operating hours are weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Due to religious observances, the cemetery is closed on Saturdays.

It’s important to contact the office for specific visitation details or to inquire about any scheduled events.

The phone number and website ([http://www.jewishgen.org/jgsi/graceland.htm](http://www.jewishgen.org/jgsi/graceland.htm) and [http://www.jewishgen.org](http://www.jewishgen.org)) provide further information and details. **A History Marked by Resilience and Damage** The cemetery’s history isn’t without its challenges.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the cemetery suffered from vandalism, resulting in damage to approximately one-fourth of the headstones.

Despite this setback, the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois has worked diligently to preserve the site and maintain its historical significance. **The Jewish Graceland Context** The Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery is one of three interconnected sections within the larger Jewish Graceland Cemetery.

The other sections, often referred to as Graceland Cemetery and Wunders Cemetery, contribute to the complex's rich history and offer a more comprehensive understanding of Chicago’s Jewish burial landscape.

The Jewish Graceland project, spearheaded by Norman Schwartz and involving numerous volunteers, has focused on cataloging and organizing the records within this complex, ensuring future generations can access and learn from this valuable historical resource. **Key Features and Recent Developments** * **Extensive Records:** The cemetery boasts a substantial database of over 2,198 records, detailing burials and associated information.

This database was initially created from an off-line database. * **Ongoing Expansion:** The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois continues to work on expanding and improving the database, incorporating future phases and information requests from the community. * **Historical Significance:** The cemetery's architecture and headstones reflect the stylistic trends of the mid-19th and late 19th centuries, offering a tangible connection to the past. **Resources and Contact Information** * **Website:** [http://www.jewishgen.org/jgsi/graceland.htm](http://www.jewishgen.org/jgsi/graceland.htm) * **General JGSI Website:** [http://www.jewishgen.org](http://www.jewishgen.org) * **Contact Information:** Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois (JGSI) - [JewishGraceland@jgsi.org](mailto:JewishGraceland@jgsi.org) – For inquiries, updates, and to learn more about visiting the cemetery. **Visiting the Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery** A visit to the Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery is a thoughtful and educational experience.

It’s a place to reflect on the lives of those interred within its grounds, to appreciate the resilience of the Jewish community in Chicago, and to connect with a significant chapter in the city’s history.

We encourage visitors to contact the Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois for the most up-to-date information regarding access and any special events that may be taking place.

History

**Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery: A Historical Overview** The Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery, a cornerstone of Jewish Graceland Cemetery, was established in 1888 by the Hebrew Benevolent Society itself.

Recognizing the need for a dedicated burial ground for Chicago’s growing Jewish community, the Society initiated the creation of this section as a vital part of their charitable mission.

The cemetery’s founding reflects the Society’s commitment to providing dignified and respectful final resting places for its members.

Initially, the area served as a modest burial ground, expanding over time to accommodate the increasing demands of the community.

The location was chosen strategically, reflecting the established Jewish presence in the surrounding neighborhood and the Society’s desire to serve its constituents with ease and accessibility.

The cemetery’s evolution mirrors the growth and development of Chicago’s Jewish population throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery remains a testament to the enduring values of the organization and its continued dedication to the Jewish community.

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