Resting silently at 11th and Federal Streets lies Mikveh Israel Cemetery. It is also known as the Federal Street Burial Ground. This Jewish cemetery holds stories within its gated walls. It is a testament to Philadelphia’s oldest synagogue, Congregation Mikveh Israel.
Imagine stepping back to 1841. Congregation Mikveh Israel purchased this land. They paid $2650 to the Alexanders and Sutherlands. Back then this area was the District of Southwark.
The Mikveh Israel Cemetery became a final resting place in 1849. It became known as Beth Hahayim meaning House of the Living. This ground holds history. It connects us to the past.
Local veterans honored war heroes here. Memorial Day observances took place in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s.
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission recognized this site in 1990. They erected a Pennsylvania Historical Marker. It honors Abraham Hart a publisher. It also honors Alfred Mordecai a soldier and engineer. Sabato Morais a rabbi and educator also rests here. Civil War veterans found their final peace here as well.
The Italian Market Civic Association contributed to the cemetery’s reconstruction. This happened in 1994. Their efforts helped preserve this important landmark.
Mikveh Israel Cemetery holds prominent figures. Civil War veterans lie here. Abraham Hart is buried here. He briefly led Congregation Mikveh Israel. Jacob Raphael Cohen rests here. He was a rabbi of Congregation Mikveh Israel starting in 1784. His records offer insight into early American Jewish life. Benzion Halper a Hebraist and Arabist rests here. He was a professor at Dropsie College. Sabato Morais rests here as well. He was a founder of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Isaac Djerassi rests here too. He advanced cancer therapy.
This cemetery is one of three belonging to Congregation Mikveh Israel. The others are on Spruce Street and Market Street. This location is locked. Access requires contacting Mikveh Israel.
As you stand here reflect on the lives of those interred. They shaped Philadelphia’s Jewish community. Their stories remind us of faith. They remind us of community. They echo through the ages at Mikveh Israel Federal Street Cemetery.