Neuer Jüdischer Friedhof, Jewish cemetery in Johannstadt, Germany.
Neuer Jüdischer Friedhof is a Jewish burial ground in Johannstadt with around 2,600 graves spread across a substantial area. The mortuary designed by architect Ernst Giese stands at the entrance and serves as a focal point when entering the grounds.
The cemetery was established in 1867 when Dresden's Jewish community purchased land from the Kingdom of Saxony to address overcrowding at the Old Jewish Cemetery. This purchase allowed the expanding community to create a proper burial ground for future generations.
The cemetery reflects a blend of Jewish and Christian burial practices, as graves do not face east and flowers and Christian symbols appear on headstones. This approach shows how Dresden's Jewish community adapted to local customs while maintaining its own traditions.
The cemetery is open on multiple days each week and can be visited by arrangement, with advance notice recommended. The grounds are easily reached by public transport in Dresden's Johannstadt district.
In 1975, a special grave was created to house damaged Torah scrolls from the Nazi period, serving as a memorial to the community's losses during the war. This burial remains one of the most moving tributes on the grounds.
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