Washington Cemetery (Brooklyn)

Washington Cemetery is a large Jewish cemetery located in Brooklyn, New York. Established in 1850, it is one of the oldest and largest Jewish cemeteries in the borough and serves as the final resting place for generations of Jewish families from New York City and beyond.

The cemetery spans several acres and contains numerous sections, reflecting different affiliations and fraternal organizations within the Jewish community. These sections may be delineated by varying burial practices and monument styles.

Washington Cemetery is known for its historic significance, holding the remains of prominent Jewish figures, including rabbis, cantors, community leaders, and individuals influential in the arts and sciences. While not all graves are easily identifiable, the cemetery serves as a repository of communal memory.

Over the years, Washington Cemetery has faced challenges common to urban cemeteries, including vandalism, neglect, and dwindling maintenance funds. Efforts have been made by community organizations and preservation groups to restore and maintain the grounds and to preserve the history of those interred there.

The cemetery is generally open to the public during daylight hours, subject to specific regulations and restrictions enforced by the cemetery administration. Genealogical research and visits to specific graves are often permitted, although prior arrangements may be necessary. Its office is located within the grounds of the cemetery.