“An oasis of beauty and calm”. That is how the Union Field Cemetery describes itself. Let’s explore this historic Jewish cemetery. Union Field Cemetery is located in Ridgewood, Queens. It offers solace and serenity to those who visit.
Established in 1878, Union Field Cemetery is owned by Congregation Rodeph Sholom. The congregation purchased this land long ago. They needed a dedicated burial space. Earlier, they had a plot on Park Avenue in Manhattan. But it soon proved too small.
Union Field Cemetery is part of a group of four Jewish cemeteries. These cemeteries are situated on Cypress Hills Street and Cypress Avenue. The other three are Machpelah Cemetery, New Union Field Cemetery and Hungarian Union Field Cemetery. Together, they cover about 60 acres. Over 60,000 people are buried here.
These four cemeteries were once managed cooperatively. This was done by the Machpelah Cemetery Association. There are no fences between the cemeteries. Visitors can easily wander from one to another. This communal nature sometimes causes confusion. Burial records can get mixed up. Newspaper reports sometimes confuse the cemeteries as well.
Congregation Rodeph Sholom dedicated Union Field Cemetery in 1878. Back then, it was a three-hour ride from the synagogue by horse and buggy. In 1926, a new gatehouse replaced the chapel that was built in 1889.
Union Field Cemetery is accessible by main highways and transportation. It is easy to reach from all five boroughs. The cemetery spans 35 acres. It stretches from Cypress Avenue to 59th Street.
Union Field is the final resting place for many notable figures. These include politicians, actors and even crime bosses. Roy Cohn is buried here. He was a lawyer and prosecutor. He handled the case of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. Joshua Lionel Cowen is also interred here. He was an inventor and model railway manufacturer.
Bert Lahr rests here as well. He was an actor famous for his role as the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz. Also interred is Fredericka Mandelbaum. She was a notorious female crime boss in the 19th century. Arnold Rothstein, another crime boss, is buried here as well.
Another notable burial is Rabbi Jacob Joseph. He was the first and only chief rabbi of New York City. Thousands of people visit his grave each year. Hassidic rabbis, congregants and Talmudical teachers come to light candles and offer prayers. His grave is considered one of the most important graves here. It is a pilgrimage site for many Orthodox Jews.
Union Field Cemetery offers a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline. It is a forested enclave where you can quietly remember loved ones. The cemetery provides perpetual care. This ensures the finest quality and attention today and tomorrow.