Imagine headstones whispering stories of Seattle’s Jewish community at Bikur Cholim Cemetery. This cemetery began in the 1890s. It was a final resting place for Ashkenazi Orthodox Jews.
Bikur Cholim Cemetery reflects the history of Congregation Bikur Cholim-Machzihay Hadath. Chevra Bikur Cholim founded the congregation in 1891. The congregation cared for the sick and provided proper burial.
The congregation evolved into a religious center. Early services were held in Red Man’s Hall. Burial grounds were purchased at Oak Lake around 1890. The first synagogue was a remodeled house on 14th Avenue. It became a hub for orthodox Jewry.
Rabbis played vital roles. Rabbi Hirsch Genss gave the congregation a Torah in 1893. He also worked as a butcher. He served as the congregation’s first rabbi.
In 1897, Zalman Grodinsky helped purchase land for a synagogue. It was located at 13th Avenue and Washington Street. The doors opened in 1898 on Rosh Hashanah.
The Klondike Gold Rush boosted Seattle’s population. Auxiliary services were held in Morris Hall. In 1909, property was purchased to build a synagogue. It was located at 17th Avenue and Yesler Way. Services were conducted in the vestry for five years. Architect B. Marcus Priteca designed the synagogue. It was dedicated in 1915.
In 1969, the building was sold to Seattle. The city turned it into a cultural center. It was named for Langston Hughes.
Bikur Cholim provided Jewish education. A Talmud Torah was established in 1898. The synagogue helped establish a city-wide Talmud Torah in 1920. In 1925, Yeshiva Rabeinu Hayim Ozer was organized.
During World War I, Bikur Cholim aided European Jewish refugees. They helped with employment and resettlement. The congregation worked with the Seattle Jewish War Relief Committee. They also aided the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. The Hachnosas Orchim Society provided food and lodging.
In 1964, Bikur Cholim merged with Yavneh Congregation. In 1971, the name changed. It became Bikur Cholim Machzikay Hadath. This reflected a merger with Congregation Machzikay-Hadath.
In 1966, property was purchased in Seward Park. In 1972, the new synagogue was dedicated. An Eruv was erected in Seward Park in 1990.
Today, Bikur Cholim Cemetery stands as a testament. It represents community. It embodies faith and remembrance. It is a place where stories rest in peace. It is a sanctuary where echoes of the past resonate.