Here lies a place of history. The National Capitol Hebrew Cemetery stands as a testament to Washington D.C.’s Jewish community.
The National Capitol Hebrew Cemetery opened its gates in 1910. It was founded by various small synagogues, lodges, and fraternal organizations. These groups reflected the wave of Eastern European Jewish immigration to the Washington area. Each organization secured burial plots for its members. They contributed to the cemetery’s upkeep based on their plot sizes.
As Washington’s Jewish community thrived, so did the National Capitol Hebrew Cemetery. In the mid-1930s, a second section was added. This new section uniquely straddled the border of Washington D.C. and Maryland. This gave the cemetery the unusual distinction of existing in two separate jurisdictions.
The Jewish community experienced rapid growth in the 1940s and 1950s. To accommodate this, a house was built on the National Capitol Hebrew Cemetery grounds in 1961. It provided living space for a caretaker. It also offered storage for essential equipment.
The 1960s brought significant changes. The neighborhood surrounding the National Capitol Hebrew Cemetery declined. Following the riots of 1968, much of the Jewish community moved to the suburbs. Many of the organizations that supported the cemetery began to fade away. Newer suburban cemetery options led to fewer burials here.
Over the past 40 years, the National Capitol Hebrew Cemetery faced decline and neglect. Only three of the original organizations remain active. Many families with loved ones buried here have also moved away.
However, new management has worked hard. They reversed many of the negative conditions that plagued the cemetery. Despite these efforts, much work remains.
Currently, the National Capitol Hebrew Cemetery contains over 2,750 graves. Over 1,000 of these graves lack organizational or family support. The cemetery is committed to caring for them all. They strive to maintain the grounds with dignity and respect.
Several organizations have burial sites within the National Capitol Hebrew Cemetery. These include Beth Sholom, Ezras Israel, and Ohev Shalom. Also included are Yom Tov Society, Workmen’s Circle, and Young Israel-Shomrei Emunah. National Capitol Lodge and George Washington Lodge are also here.
The National Capitol Hebrew Cemetery stands as a place of remembrance. It is a reminder of the community’s past. It’s a place where memories endure. It is a place where we honor those who came before us. The National Capitol Hebrew Cemetery is a sanctuary. It provides solace and a connection to our heritage.