Here stands Rainham Jewish Cemetery, a testament to community and remembrance. It is more than just a burial ground. It’s a chronicle etched in stone.
Rainham Jewish Cemetery is also known as Rainham Federation Jewish Cemetery. This cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of lives lived. It also symbolizes the enduring strength of faith.
The Federation of Synagogues owns this Jewish cemetery. It lies off the A13 New Road in Rainham. While in the London Borough of Havering, its postal address remains in Essex.
Approaching from the M25, you would exit at Junction 30. Then take the A13 westbound towards London.
Opening its gates in 1938, Rainham Cemetery holds over 25,800 records until 2015. The records are searchable online thanks to the Federation of Synagogues. They partnered with JCR-UK and JGSGB.
In 2016, the Federation sold approximately 20 acres of the cemetery. The sale was for £8.3 million. It helped finance their new Edgwarebury Cemetery. Rainham originally spanned 106 acres. It had space for 50,000 graves. Around 60% are occupied.
The cemetery has a tree-lined roadway. The roadway still features original 1930s lamp standards. The central hall, dating to 1937/8, was designed by Lewis Solomon & Son. It is a red brick building with a tiled roof. Curved white-colonnaded wings add to its restrained elegance. High red brick walls enclose the cemetery. The main entrance is a grand triumphal arch. It features red brick with stone dressings and wrought iron gates.
Visiting hours vary. In summer, the Rainham Jewish Cemetery is open daily except Shabbos and Jewish holidays until 5pm. During Elul, it stays open until 6pm. Winter hours are daily from 9am until two hours before dusk. Fridays throughout the year, the cemetery closes at 1pm.
Today, Rainham Jewish Cemetery stands as a place of reflection. It is a place of respect for generations past. It connects us to a shared heritage. It reminds us of the importance of community. The cemetery also offers a tranquil space for remembrance. It is a place where stories linger in the shadows of the stones.