“Why here?” a visitor once whispered. Temple Ohabei Shalom Cemetery holds Boston’s Jewish history. It is located at 147 Wordsworth Street in East Boston. This cemetery marks a significant chapter.
In 1844 Temple Ohabei Shalom sought permission. The Temple was located in Brookline. They wanted to create a burial ground. The Boston City Council granted it. Temple Ohabei Shalom Cemetery became the first legal Jewish cemetery in Massachusetts. Before this, Jewish people had to be buried far away. Some were buried in Rhode Island.
Imagine families traveling long distances for burial. Temple Ohabei Shalom Cemetery provided a local solution. In 1996, Temple Ohabei Shalom ceded the property. It went to the Jewish Cemetery Association.
Look around you at Temple Ohabei Shalom Cemetery. In 2008, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was the first Jewish cemetery to receive this honor. The cemetery covers 2.4 acres. John A. Hasty designed it. The architectural style is Gothic Revival.
The oldest surviving Jewish chapel in Massachusetts is here. It was dedicated in 1903. The Mystic River Jewish Project is restoring it. The chapel will become a museum.
Consider the chapel’s Gothic Revival style. It mirrors Christian churches. This design choice reflects acculturation. Jewish immigrants sought to blend in. They embraced American society.
Observe the grave markers at Temple Ohabei Shalom Cemetery. Early markers feature traditional Jewish symbols. You will see the tree of life. Broken tree trunks are visible too. A pair of hands is another common symbol. These older markers often have Hebrew inscriptions. Some include English.
Later sections of the cemetery show Victorian styles. These styles were common in American funerals. These markers are usually labeled only in English. The progression of styles is a sign of assimilation.
Temple Ohabei Shalom Cemetery is more than a burial ground. It is a testament to Boston’s Jewish community. It shows their history and adaptation. It is a place of remembrance. It is a reflection of cultural change. The cemetery stands as a reminder. It tells a story of identity and integration.