Židovský hřbitov Bezdružice
Jewish Cemetery in Bezdružice

Author(s): Václav Chvátal
Subject(s): Jewish studies, Ethnohistory, Recent History (1900 till today), History of Judaism, 17th Century, 18th Century, 19th Century
Published by: Židovské Muzeum v Praze
Keywords: Jewish settlement; Bezdružice; synagogue; cemetery; restoration; gravestones;
Summary/Abstract: The document details the history of the Jewish settlement in Bezdružice, starting from 1694. It highlights the establishment of the Jewish community and cemetery in the mid-18th century, noting the preservation of several original Jewish houses despite modern renovations. The synagogue, built in 1812 in a classicist style, was destroyed by the Nazis in 1938 but remains a cultural monument. The cemetery, once neglected, underwent extensive restoration between 2011 and 2012, revealing 185 gravestones, including the oldest from 1762. The document also discusses the discovery of Jewish gravestones used as construction material in the 20th century and their subsequent return to the cemetery. It emphasizes the unique architectural and epigraphic features of the gravestones, such as plant motifs and the use of matronymics. The restoration efforts were supported by German volunteers and local organizations, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project.

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