In 1867, Charlotte was a community of 4500. Among these citizens were a handful of devout Jews. Faithful to their laws and traditions, the Hebrew Benevolent Society purchased 11 acres of what is now Statesville Avenue to be their Hebrew cemetery. Jews from every corner of the State are buried here. More than 150 years later, the cemetery has expanded to 16 acres and houses a beautiful memorial building on its premises. The Silverman Tree of Life Sculpture greets every visitor that enters these holy grounds.
In 1867, Charlotte was a community of 4500. Among these citizens were a handful of devout Jews. Faithful to their laws and traditions, the Hebrew Benevolent Society purchased 11 acres of what is now Statesville Avenue to be their Hebrew cemetery. As the surrounding inner-city neighborhood grew closer, the Jewish community was able to acquire more land, change the entrance location and clear off unused parts of the property for future expansion.
Following the war, an influx of German Jews arrived in Charlotte, which led to the creation of the first Jewish institutions in the city, although not a congregation.
In 1872, the newly formed Hebrew Benevolent Society received a charter from the state of North Carolina for a Jewish cemetery. A few years later, Charlotte Jews established B’nai B’rith Lodge No. 280. David Goldberg, H. Baumgarten, L. Hirshinger, and Civil War Veteran Louis Leon were among the community leaders who headed these new Jewish organizations. Yet these German Jews did not establish a congregation.
It was during the late 19th century that future prominent Jewish families became rooted in Charlotte, such as the merchant Schiff family and the Heinemans. Dannie Heineman was born in Charlotte in 1872 and later became a very successful financier in New York and important philanthropist in Charlotte, creating the Heineman Medical Research Foundation. Jay Hirschinger, who owned a pants manufacturing company, became a strong advocate of education, serving on the Charlotte school board and winning a grant from Andrew Carnegie’s foundation to build the city’s first public library in 1891. By the turn of the century, it was evident that Jews were a significant element of the Charlotte community.
Thirteen Civil War veterans are buried in the Hebrew Cemetery, among them Corporal Louis Leon, author of a famed Civil War diary. Noted author Harry Golden, one of the American Jewish community's most beloved commentators on life from the 1940’s through the 70's is also buried here.
The Hebrew Cemetery Association is an independent member run institution, administrated by Jewish volunteers and a full-time Jewish Director. Annual membership is achieved through voluntary annual dues. The organization provides for the on-going maintenance and renovation of the holy burial grounds, guaranteeing a dignified and sanctified resting place for those of the Jewish faith and their families.
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