Oheb Shalom Cemetery

Tucked away in Hillside, New Jersey, lies the Oheb Shalom Cemetery. It’s a place where stories whisper from the stones. Let me share a glimpse into its rich history with you as we stand before its gates. Oheb Shalom Cemetery wasn’t always here. At the end of the 19th century, members of the Oheb Shalom Congregation in Newark sought a final resting place rooted in Jewish tradition. Led by Emanuel Abeles, Isidore Grand, and Meyer Kussy, they purchased a three-acre plot in Hillside. They established the Oheb Shalom Cemetery Association, independent of the congregation, yet deeply connected. Manny Abeles, their first chairman, oversaw the division of the land, established a fee structure including perpetual care, and envisioned a chapel house. The cornerstone was laid in 1900, and Oheb Shalom Cemetery began its quiet vigil. Over 115 years later, the cemetery continues its mission. Owned by the plot holders and managed by a Board of Trustees, it holds around 3,000 plots. Approximately 1,200 souls rest here, with another hundred plots reserved. The Epstein Company, caretaker of many Jewish cemeteries in Northern New Jersey, maintains the grounds. The surrounding neighborhood has transformed over time. Cremations have become more prevalent. Larger Jewish cemeteries have sprung up in Woodbridge and other suburban communities. Yet, Oheb Shalom Cemetery remains, a testament to the enduring connection between the living and those who came before.