Jewish cemeteries of Kaunas

The Jewish cemeteries of Kaunas consist of four separate burial grounds in different parts of the city, each containing thousands of graves with inscriptions in Hebrew and Yiddish script. The graves span several centuries and record the long presence of the Jewish community in this region.

The oldest cemetery in Vilijampole dates to the 17th century, when Jewish settlers first established themselves outside the city limits in this region. These early graves mark the beginning of a Jewish presence in Kaunas that would last for centuries.

The gravestones at Zaliakalnis show traditional Jewish-Lithuanian burial customs through the design of monuments and how graves are arranged in sections. Visitors can see how the community honored its deceased members according to inherited practices.

The Aleksotas cemetery remains open for current burials, while the others require advance contact with local Jewish community representatives before visiting. Respectful behavior and modest clothing are important when visiting these sacred burial grounds.

The Zaliakalnis cemetery holds the burial site of Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor, whose teachings shaped Jewish theological thought throughout Eastern Europe. The grave site draws scholars and visitors who wish to honor this influential teacher and his lasting intellectual contributions.