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Chapel at Hebrew Cemetery Rededicated
June 2024
By Sara Schreibman
The Hebrew Cemetery of Charlotte, founded in 1867, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Jewish community in the region. Nestled within its serene grounds lies a historic chapel, built in 1926, which has witnessed the passage of time and the evolution of the community it serves. The small chapel sits on the original eleven acres of the Hebrew Cemetery. In April, this cherished chapel was rededicated, reaffirming its historical and spiritual importance.
The restoration of the chapel was not merely a physical endeavor but a labor of love infused with historical significance. Fred and Marcy Dumas honored Fred’s mother, Charlotte Dumas, by making this restoration possible. Charlotte Dumas died on Dec. 25, 2022, at the age of 104. Charlotte was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who instilled in her family a commitment to community. Fred and Marcy have been leaders in our Charlotte Jewish community and have been committed to the importance of our Jewish organizations and institutions. By restoring this original chapel, they honor those who established our community and laid the groundwork for our vibrant community. As Robert Valenstein, vice president of the Hebrew Cemetery Association Board of Directors, said, “These grounds represent the past, present, and future memories of those who have or will depart. The way we as a community take care of these memories is a reflection of us. Thank you to the Dumas family and others for their contribution in honoring and respecting these memories.”
The rededicated chapel stands as a beacon of hope and remembrance. It also serves as a call to action for future generations. It beckons them to cherish their heritage, to preserve the stories of those who came before, and to forge new pathways guided by the principles of compassion and justice. In doing so, they honor the legacy of the past while building a brighter tomorrow for all who call Charlotte home.
The Hebrew Cemetery joins with the community in remembering the names of those who have been buried in the cemetery in the month of April.
Iris Friedlander 12-11-1938 - 3-28-2024
Joel Safran 7-9-1939 - 3-25-2024
Terry Waldinger 8-17-1957 - 4-10-2024
Ronald Weller 6-20-1940 - 4-18-2024
Sara Matthews 11-20-1957 - 4-21-2024
Henria Zoe King 4-12-1944 - 4-19-2024
