Cost is $2 for members of the Old Cemeteries Society and $5 for non-members.
COVID-19 Protocols for Old Cemetery Society’s tours for safety:
1. Social distancing will be required.
2. Masks are optional.
3. Maximum capacity of this tour will be 20 people.
Registration is required. Space will be filled on a first come first serve basis. A second tour at 3:30 pm will be offered if needed. Please send an email with your name, contact information and number in your party attending to oldcem@pacificcoast.net. Please put Jewish Cemetery Tour in the subject line.
Copies of the Guide to Victoria’s Historic Jewish Cemetery will be available for purchase outside of the cemetery. Please bring cash or a check made out to Old Cemeteries Society. Books are also available at Simcha Gift Shop at Congregation Emanu-El, Munro’s and Bolen Books.
January 10 @ 11 am & January 12 & 1 pm 2020 at Congregation Emanu-El cemetery — Dear Ones,
It is with a very heavy heart that I write to tell the community that Joy WIlkins died Monday July 29, 2019.
September 2, 2 pm — The Old Cemeteries Society will conduct a tour of Congregation Emanu-El cemetery on Sunday, September 2 beginning at 2 pm. This Jewish Cemetery is the oldest continuously operating cemetery in BC and has connections to many pioneers from Victoria and other places. Amber Woods, author of the OCS’s recent publication Guide to Victoria’s Jewish Cemetery, will explain the cemetery’s location and describe its people, symbolism and monuments. Meet at the main gates, Fernwood Rd. at the corner of Cedar Hill Rd. Men, please wear a hat.
Close to 50 people came to the official book launch for the Guide to Victoria’s Historic Jewish Cemetery written by Amber Woods and published by the Old Cemeteries Society. Rick Kool was the MC on behalf of Congregation Emanu-El and the Cemetery Committee. Short presentations were given by John Azar of the Old Cemeteries Society (OCS) and Amber Woods. Gary Cohen read a short biography as an illustration of one of the three anomalies of the Jewish Cemetery. Books were sold and signed in the social hall and a few Jewish desserts were served.
On Monday, June 18, 7:30 pm you are invited to attend the launch of Guide to Victoria’s Historic Jewish Cemetery written by Amber Woods at Congregation Emanu-El, 1461 Blanshard Street. Copies of the book will be available for sale.
Although the sunlight outside was enticing, about forty congregants turned out for our Yom Iyun on Jewish Cemeteries and Burial of Non-Jews. Rabbi Harry presented the relevant halakhah using an historical approach. Those present listened attentively and responded with thoughtful questions and comments.