Temple Israel

Military MemorialThe Cemetery Committee is exploring the idea of a memorial to honor members of Temple Israel's congregational family who have died in military service to our country.  Contact Andrew Boshwit, 683-4450, or aboshwit@comcast.net; or David Rosenthal, 755-5870, or rosenthalcrew@aol.com.

Temple Israel’s historic cemetery has served as the congregation’s burial ground since 1885.   A special section of the cemetery established in 1846 contains remains that were moved from the congregation’s burial ground on Bass Avenue (later Jefferson Avenue). This section, surrounded by a wrought-iron fence, contains the graves of many of the congregation’s earliest members, as well as numerous victims of the yellow fever epidemics that plagued Memphis during the 1870s.  It has been expanded only once, in 1991, when the congregation purchased additional land across from the existing cemetery to meet future needs.   Burials in the new section began in 1994.

Completed in 2007, the Levy-Cooper Chapel is a 150-seat venue that provides year-round weather protection for those attending funerals and other ceremonies on the grounds.

The Temple Israel cemetery and Levy-Cooper Chapel are located south of downtown Memphis at 1708 Hernando Road (Google Map).

Written directions to the cemetery and chapel.

The phone number is (901) 942-2999.

The cemetery gates are open:
      Mon. - Fri.:    8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
      Sunday:          10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The cemetery is closed Saturdays and Jewish holidays.