Completing the Jewish life cycle in Knox County, Ohio
Shalom!
Welcome to the Jewish Cemetery Society of Knox County, Ohio
Organized by a group of Knox County community members, JCS maintains a Jewish cemetery in beautiful rural Gambier, Ohio, near Kenyon College.
The Cemetery
Jews have made important contributions to all facets of local life in central Ohio for a very long time. However, only recently have Jewish people been able to observe all stages of the life cycle here, including burial in a cemetery consecrated for Jewish use.
Dedicated in 2013, the cemetery serves past and present members of the Kenyon College and Knox County Jewish communities and their families. The cemetery is inclusive, with the aim of meeting burial needs within the broad range of Jewish practice, including those of interfaith families.
Local Jewish Life
Jewish migration to Knox County mirrors the main waves of European immigration to the United States, namely the arrival of German Jews in the mid-nineteenth century followed by Russian Jews at the turn of the twentieth century. Though settling here in small numbers, Jewish residents have nevertheless built rich lives with lasting impact over generations. Here are their stories.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom
לִמְנֹ֣ות יָ֭מֵינוּ כֵּ֣ן הֹודַ֑ע וְ֝נָבִ֗א לְבַ֣ב חָכְמָֽה
— Psalm 90:12