First Jewish site in Los Angeles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Jewish site in Los Angeles |
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Marker for the First Jewish Site in Los Angeles County
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| Location | Chavez Ravine in Los Angeles |
| Built | 1855 |
| Designated | Jan. 26, 1968 |
| Reference no. | 822 |
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The First Jewish site in Los Angeles is a very important historical spot. It was the first Jewish cemetery (a burial ground) in the City of Los Angeles. This cemetery opened in 1855. It was started by the Hebrew Benevolent Society of Los Angeles, which was the first charity group in the city.
This site was recognized as a California Historical Landmark (No. 822) on January 26, 1968. It is located in an area called Chavez Ravine in Los Angeles. Even though the cemetery was moved in 1902, the California Historic Landmark still marks the original spot.
The Hebrew Benevolent Society
The Hebrew Benevolent Society of Los Angeles was created in 1854. Their main goal was to find land for a burial ground for Jewish people. They also wanted to help those in need.
The group received the land for the cemetery from the Los Angeles City Council on April 9, 1855. This land was located at Lilac Terrace and Lookout Drive in Chavez Ravine. Today, this area is where Dodger Stadium and the Los Angeles Fire Department's Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center are found.
Why the Cemetery Moved
In 1902, the cemetery had to be moved. This was because of bad environmental conditions caused by the growing oil industry nearby. Congregation B'nai B'rith suggested finding a new plot of land. They wanted to move the buried remains to this new site. They also made sure there would still be a place for people who couldn't afford a burial.
This new site is called the Home of Peace Cemetery in East Los Angeles. It is still in use today and is the oldest Jewish cemetery in Los Angeles. The original Hebrew Benevolent Society is now known as the "Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles." Solomon Lazard, a merchant in Los Angeles, was part of the Los Angeles City Council in 1853. He also led the first Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.
A Special Historical Marker
There is a special marker at the site that tells its story. It says:
- NO. 822 FIRST JEWISH SITE IN LOS ANGELES - The Hebrew Benevolent Society of Los Angeles (1854) was the first charity group in the city. They bought this land from the city council on April 9, 1855. Buying this sacred burial ground was the first organized community effort by the early Jewish settlers in the area.
