Stockton in San Joaquin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Temple Israel Cemetery
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, April 21, 2023
1. Temple Israel Cemetery Marker
This hallowed ground was donated by Captain Charles M. Weber in 1851 for use as a cemetery by the Jewish community of Stockton. It is the oldest Jewish cemetery in continuous use in California and west of the Rocky Mountains.
California Registered Historical Landmark No 765
The original bronze plaque was placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with Temple Israel and the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. December 10, 1961
Erected 1961 by The California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Temple Israel and the Union of American Hebrew Congregation, December 10, 1961. (Marker Number 765.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1851.
Location. 37° 57.892′ N, 121° 16.732′ W. Marker is in Stockton, California, in San Joaquin County. Marker is on East Acacia Street, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located at the entrance to the cemetery on East Acacia Street between North Pilgrim Street and North Union Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Stockton CA 95202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within
this page online
Regarding Temple Israel Cemetery. On October 4, 1851, Solomon Friedlander, a young merchant and a native of Prussia, passed away. The members of "Rhyim Ahoovim" met together to acquire a cemetery so that their departed brother could be interred in hallowed ground. A committee was appointed to call on Captain Charles M. Weber, the founder of Stockton. He generously gave the society an entire block to use for a Jewish cemetery. Here, Friedlander was interred, his burial marking the dedication of the place to be used by the Jewish people of Stockton for a sacred burial ground, from that time to the present.
This site was designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No.765 on August 10, 1961.
Also see . . .
1. Temple Israel. Congregation website homepage (Submitted on September 22, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 8, 2009
2. Temple Israel Cemetery Marker
2. Thieves thwarted three times in Stockton cemetery plaque theft.
"Neighbors across the street foiled the attempt and two more over the next two weeks."(Submitted on April 24, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)
3. Stockton Business Replaces Plaque At Cemetery To Help Stop Metal Thieves. YouTube Video
"Stockton Monument owner Mike Contreras thought it would be a better idea to remove the plaque and sandblast the message onto the granite himself."(Submitted on April 24, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)
Additional commentary.
1. Marker Replaced
The original bronze plaque was removed around 2014 by cemetery staff after multiple attempted thefts. In 2016, Stockton Monument owner Mike Contreras donated his services and etched the text directly into the granite slab were the plaque was originally mounted. The plaque remains in storage with Temple Israel.
— Submitted April 24, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, April 21, 2023
3. Temple Israel Cemetery Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 8, 2009
4. Temple Israel Cemetery Entrance and Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 8, 2009
5. Temple Israel Cemetery
Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 8, 2009
6. Temple Israel Cemetery
Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 8, 2009
7. Sign at Entrance toTemple Israel Cemetery
Bancroft Library
8. Charles M. Weber
Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,892 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 24, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 2. submitted on February 8, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on April 24, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on February 8, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
