Waldheim Jewish Cemetery
Where I went on Sunday
Not exactly everyone’s cup of tea…I admit it. However, as part of my Spertus project, I decided to go to Waldheim Jewish Cemetery since it certainly should be considered a part of Jewish Life in Chicago. Such history and culture. Over a hundred years old. So, I walked and explored with two ready cameras, looking up, down, and around. Did not see ONE other person walking around the entire time I was there and while that was a little weird for me to experience, it also provided a unique solitary atmosphere!
Hmm…which one of these images should I use for my project?
Above is one of the first things I found, laying on the ground in the grass with a flower next to it. A long lost photo….obviously fallen off a headstone. Who is that dapper man?? Those are the kinds of questions that went through my mind, observing.
A good view of what the paths look like there. Old graves, many with photos and detailed inscriptions. English, Hebrew, and Yiddish…probably more than that! Think of the care that went into crafting these stones and the thought behind the words. Quite inspiring to read some of the heartfelt tributes.
So warm and sweet. Yet, difficult for me to take this photo… But, I felt the story should be shared! Note the inscription on the heart shaped stone and the headstone, too.
So long ago, but something still magnificent about this family’s bold and proud monument.
I haven’t visited there in a long, long time. It hasn’t changed! Though it does look like it’s generally maintained quite well, given its age. The memories and histories I recalled are still there…an overwhelming feeling of heritage and culture. And life.
Thanks for visiting!
-Stephen M. Levin
www.stephenmlevinphtos.com
Many of our relatives from earlier generations rest at Waldheim. It has been flooded by the Des Plaines River, something we both know about. Its unfortunate condition includes tomb stones falling over, like the one in your photo.
Thanks for your input, David. Actually, I didn’t know about the river flooding or things of that nature. Frankly, I thought that, given its age, it looked pretty well kept. However, I noticed that there were several trees that are “down” and there was a truck from a tree service parked nearby. I imagine the large trees that fall or lose limbs are a threat to some of the stones, too.
Liked all but favorite was sweet sentiment!
Great job!
So glad you like it, Linda! Thanks much.
Thank you for offering a view of a cemetery as a repository of history, culture, religious observance and family memories.
Well put description, Judy!
Very well done series of photographs, Stephen. The ones with photographs within a photograph capture the history and the atmosphere very well.
Thanks, Richard. Yes…those faces captured my attention.
Love these photos. When Russ and I travel, especially out east, we typically find ourselves walking through the old cemetery. You learn a lot about the history of a town, people and culture strolling through the cemetery.
I absolutely agree, Gayle. We’ve visited a few on various trips, too.
Glad you like the photos!
I appreciate the clarity in these pictures and I am wondering about the time of day you took these. Was it sunny or not? Maybe it’s because I know the current “clement” weather but these have more of a mid-March rather than January in Chicago feel.
Late morning. Misty “almost” rain from time to time. Overcast. That’s one of the main reasons I went when I did…I saw the forecast! No kiddin’!
Anyways, it does seem kind of mid-March more than January/February around here lately, doesn’t it??
Thanks for commenting, Dave!
Have had a few excursions to “visit” the many relatives that have had an influence on who I am today. Your photos brought back very vivid memories. What really took my back was the photo of Louis Cohen’s headstone as Sheryl and I have a great-grandfather by that name buried at Waldheim. However, he died in 1941.
I saw SO many familiar names as I walked around…I wondered about possible connections. Maybe we’ll go back and look for your Louis!?
Glad to help stir up some memories, Jay!
Thanks.
Your photos are beautiful and are so evocative. We used wander around Waldheim with the kids when they were little. Some of the graves stones and markers were so curious. And also I’d never seen enameled portraits before.
Thanks so much, Jonathan!
It is an interesting place for a walk!
The portraits are captivating.
Such moving photographs. I like seeing the landscapes of head stones, a path, a tree. And then I like the emotional perspective that the close-ups give. They spark curiosity. I want to know more about the child, the woman the old man. Especially the child which must have been so loved. Living close by, I think I will visit soon.
Berit- Many of these same thoughts were in my mind as I walked around. All of the scenes involve stories and family histories…captivating!
Worth a visit, for sure!
I’ve been to Waldheim 3 times. Once back in December, then Sunday and Monday of this week. I’d never been to a Jewish cemetery before, and I was fascinated by the different symbols, etc. The portraits on the stones are so compelling, and I hope to one day do an exhibit of a variety of these images from Waldheim and other graveyards. On my first visit, I took over 250 photographs. Sunday, I shot another 326 until the memory card was filled. Monday, it was an additional 300 before the battery gave out. The amazing thing about Waldheim is just when you think you have it all figured out, you turn a corner, and there’s yet another huge section to explore.
Thx for your comment.