The Jewish community in Cedar Rapids numbers about 175 families with one Reform Temple. Contact people: Rabbi Ed Chesman, Temple Judah, Lindsay Lane SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 (319-362-1261).
Most Jewish burials were handled by Turner Funeral Homes, 800 2nd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403, USA. (319-362-1131). Obituaries should be in the files of the Cedar Rapids Gazette, which is on microfilm at the public library.
Sources: Jim Yarin This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Davida Noyek Handler This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. [2000]
Eben Israel Cemetery: Hawthorn Drive, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; SW Cedar Rapids. The cemetery, used by Temple Beth Jacob and Temple Judah since 25 May 1896, has 290 all-Jewish interments as of 1/1995.
Directions: Go south on "C" St. to Hawthorn Drive and turn right. The cemetery is on the left, just beyond the Czech National Cemetery entrance. A flag pole base says: "In loving memory of Max Ohsman, an Eben Israel Cemetery Founder. 25 May 1896. A Director, Officer and Trustee 1896 - 1946. Louis Ohsman, Eben Israel Cemetery President, 1945 - 1960. Dedicated 26 September 1961." A history was scheduled for publication in 1996. Records were held by Edward Padzensky in 1998. Surveyed and compiled by Linn County Heritage Society. Reorganized for database by Jim Yarin This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.