Didn’t Chicago’s Zion Gardens start as Rosemont Park Cemetery? It did. Later, it was acquired and renamed.
Zion Gardens is located at 3600 North Narragansett Avenue. This Chicago cemetery offers a place for Jewish families to honor their loved ones.
The Zion Gardens property includes several other cemeteries. Mt. Mayriv and Isaiah Israel are part of it. B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim and B’nai Brith are also included.
The Waldheim Cemetery Company manages Zion Gardens. They have served Chicago’s Jewish families for over 130 years. The State of Illinois approved the acquisition. This was based on Waldheim Cemetery Company’s successful management. They have a proven record of restoring and operating their Forest Park property.
The previous management of Rosemont Park struggled. They lacked the necessary resources. They used principal revenues from its care fund. This was in addition to investment monies. It was done to meet the cemetery’s needs.
Zion Gardens created a new perpetual trust fund. This is through Northern Trust Bank. This secures the site’s future. Zion Gardens can only access the fund’s income. They cannot use the principal.
Irwin Lapping is the Zion Gardens Management President. He says they bring compassion and care. They serve Chicago area Jewish families during loss.
Previous grave care contracts with Rosemont Park cannot be fulfilled. The funds were depleted. They were used to operate the cemetery. They provided maintenance services until the money ran out. New arrangements must be made with Zion Gardens Management for grave care.
All burials at Zion Gardens follow Jewish tradition. The cemetery is closed on Saturdays. This is in observance of Shabbat. Office hours are available by appointment. Restrooms are open during interments.
Zion Gardens Cemetery is open Sundays from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. It is also open Monday through Friday during the same hours. You can contact Zion Gardens Management at 773-736-2553.