Mount Neboh Cemetery

In 1886, a group of visionaries established the Mount Neboh Cemetery Association. They sought to create a final resting place that would reflect the rich heritage and traditions of the Jewish community. Their vision materialized on 14 acres of land in Glendale, Queens, nestled between Cooper Avenue and Jackie Robinson Parkway. Mount Neboh Cemetery quickly became a prominent landmark. It was renowned for its serene beauty and the distinguished individuals interred within its grounds. Two majestic circular rows of mausoleums greet visitors at the entrance of Mount Neboh Cemetery. They stand as sentinels guarding the stories of those who rest within. Among the approximately 15,000 individuals laid to rest at Mount Neboh Cemetery are two prominent figures who served in the U.S. Congress: Emanuel Celler and William Wolfe Cohen. Their legacies are etched in the history books, but their stories continue to whisper through the grounds of Mount Neboh. One of the most poignant stories associated with Mount Neboh Cemetery involves the renowned Yiddish writer, Sholem Aleichem. His tales of tradition, family, and faith continue to resonate with audiences worldwide through the beloved musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” Upon his death in 1916, Sholem Aleichem was initially laid to rest at Mount Neboh. The intention was to return his body to Russia after World War I. However, fate intervened. In 1921, he found his permanent resting place at the neighboring Mount Carmel Cemetery. Even though his physical presence is no longer at Mount Neboh, his spirit remains, woven into the tapestry of the cemetery’s history. Mount Neboh Cemetery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a community. It is a place where memories are cherished and stories are whispered through the rustling leaves and the gentle breeze.