Founded in 1860 by the Hebrew Benevolent Society, the Home of Peace Cemetery is Virginia’s oldest Jewish cemetery and a testament to the enduring contributions of Alexandria’s early Jewish residents. Located at the corner of South Payne and Franklin Streets, it remains a vital place of remembrance, community, and heritage.
This sacred ground tells the story of German-Jewish immigrants who helped shape Alexandria’s civic and commercial life throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Special thanks to Catherine Weinraub, Historian and Archivist of Beth El Hebrew Congregation, for contributing research and insight to this page.
A Legacy of Community and Faith
Before the Civil War, Alexandria emerged as one of the busiest ports in the United States, its prosperity drawing immigrants from across Europe—including a growing number of German-Jewish families in the 1850s. Many of these newcomers had fled the political unrest following the 1848 revolutions in German states, seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity in a flourishing American city.
Though small in number, Alexandria’s Jewish community left a lasting imprint. These immigrants helped found the Alexandria Literary Society in 1856 and established the Hebrew Benevolent Society in 1858. Just two years later, the Society purchased land from the Washington Street Methodist Church to create a Jewish cemetery—the first of its kind in Alexandria.
In 1871, the community laid a stronger foundation by establishing Beth El Hebrew Congregation, which remains a vital institution today.
The Home of Peace Cemetery grew in phases, with additional land purchases in 1864, 1894, and 1911. The final tract, though unused until the 1920s, became the resting place for Jewish victims of the Spanish influenza epidemic—many of whom were not local to Alexandria. This reflects the Society’s enduring commitment to dignified care and remembrance.
In 1928 and 1929, new land acquisitions allowed the cemetery to expand to South Payne Street, accompanied by the construction of a new entrance gate. A beautiful wrought iron archway once welcomed mourners through Wilkes Street, reflecting both reverence and pride.
Today, the Hebrew Benevolent Society, under the guidance of Beth El Hebrew Congregation, continues to maintain Virginia’s oldest Jewish cemetery, preserving its legacy and historical importance for future generations.
Notable Burials at Home of Peace Cemetery
The Home of Peace Cemetery is the final resting place of numerous individuals who played key roles in Alexandria’s Jewish and civic history.
Additional profiles and research will be added over time. If you have information about family members buried here, please reach out.
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Ruth Sinberg Baker
Historian and author of a 1992 article on the cemetery in The Fireside Sentinel. Her work helped preserve the memory of Alexandria’s early Jewish residents.
Charles Bendheim (May 15, 1866 – April 30, 1934)
A political leader who served in the Virginia House of Delegates. He helped shape Alexandria’s economic and legislative future.
Leopold Bendheim (August 28, 1830 – October 22, 1903)
A respected civic leader and advocate for Jewish communal life in Alexandria. He supported both the Hebrew Benevolent Society and Beth El Hebrew Congregation.
Leroy Schwarz Bendheim
A 20th-century civic leader who helped modernize local Jewish institutions. He served as mayor of Alexandria from 1955 to 1961.
Joseph Brager
An early Jewish resident whose burial links generations of Alexandria’s Jewish families.
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Julius Dreifuss
A German-Jewish immigrant who became a prominent local merchant, helping to shape the city’s mid-19th century economic landscape.
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Joseph Kaufman
An early 20th-century businessman and philanthropist who championed Jewish institutions in Alexandria.
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Max Rosenfeld
Known for his leadership and generosity, Rosenfeld contributed to local business development and helped fund cemetery improvements.
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Isaac Schwarz
A merchant and community figure remembered for his contributions to Alexandria’s Jewish community.
Henry Strauss
A successful businessman whose estate was valued at $100,000 upon his death—an indicator of his prominence. He served as mayor of Alexandria from 1891 to 1897.
Visiting the Cemetery
Location: Corner of South Payne and Franklin Streets, Alexandria, VA
Established: 1860
Owned and maintained by: Beth El Hebrew Congregation
Public access: Please contact Beth El for visitation information.
Learn More
Baker, R. S. (1992). Home of Peace Cemetery. The Fireside Sentinel, 6(4), 25–34.
Beth El Hebrew Congregation. (n.d.). Hebrew Benevolent Society. https://www.bethelhebrew.org/hebrew-benevolent-society.html
Billowitz, H. S. (1986). Plat of Home of Peace Cemetery. Hebrew Benevolent Society Papers. Beth El Archives. Alexandria, VA.
Dilles, S., & Dilles, S. (2022). Images of America: The Jewish Community of Northern Virginia. Arcadia Publishing.
German-Jewish Immigration to Alexandria. (n.d.). Immigrant Alexandria Project. https://immigrantalexandria.org/german-jewish-immigration-to-alexandria/
Home of Peace Cemetery. (2011, March). Historic Wanderings Blog. https://historicwanderings.blogspot.com/2011/03/home-of-peace-cemetery-alexandria-va.html
Rosenberg, M., & Marmor, A. (1959). Temple Beth El: A centennial history of Beth El Hebrew Congregation.
Pippenger, W. (2008). Tombstone Inscriptions of Alexandria, Virginia: Volume 1. Heritage Books.
Photograph Collection. Beth El Archives. Alexandria, VA.
