In 1870, before there was a Congregation Beth Israel, the Charlottesville Hebrew Benevolent Society was founded to provide for proper religious burial of the community. Property was purchased adjacent to the city's Oakwood Cemetery, at 1st Street and Elliott Avenue, to serve as a Jewish cemetery. The Hebrew Cemetery continues to be located at its original site at 736 1st Street SE, just off Elliott Avenue and directly across the street from Oakwood Cemetery. The cemetery is walled with stone and has black wrought iron gates. The gates are not locked. To enter, lift the bar that holds the gates closed and be sure to lower it again upon leaving. If you wish to visit a specific grave, contact Cemetery Committee members, the Congregation Beth Israel office staff (434-295-6382), Hill & Wood Funeral Service or Teague Funeral Service. All have a map of the plot locations and can provide that information for you.

Cemetery Committee Co-Chairs offer assistance to individuals in selecting and purchasing plots in advance of need, relieving family of the emotional and financial burden often associated with making these arrangements when a death occurs. They are also very willing to assist with purchase at the time of need. The Cemetery Committee has arranged with Hill & Wood to stock a plain wooden casket that meets traditional Jewish standards. Please ask about that if you are planning a funeral. Hill & Wood will cooperate with any other funeral home the bereaved would like to use.

Congregation Beth Israel's Chevra Kadisha (burial society) is available to prepare your loved one, at no charge, for burial in accordance with Jewish traditional rituals. Call CBI (434-295-6382) to make this request, or to indicate your wishes when you speak to your funeral director.

Congregation Beth Israel is a supporter of the Funeral Information Society of the Piedmont (434-923-7679), should you need independent advice about arranging a low-cost funeral.

Click here for the Hebrew Cemetery policy and bylaws, or contact the CBI office for a copy.

To learn how to read a Jewish tombstone, please visit JewishGen's article, 'Reading Hebrew Tombstones.'

Click on the map below for directions to the Charlottesville Hebrew Cemetery.