About Adath Yeshurun Cemetery:
Our Roots Will Become Yours
A Jewish burial in a cemetery that welcomes Jewish families is important to you. Adath Yeshurun holds the same ideals you do for care of your loved one, in a beautiful, park-like setting adjacent to Minnehaha Creek. Cottonwood and oak trees are among those providing shade and shelter, and it is not unusual to spot visiting wildlife. Adath Yeshurun is a restful spot for all.
How It All Began
In the late nineteenth century, recent Lithuanian, Romanian and Russian immigrants to the area were eager to create a burial ground that adhered to strict Orthodox burial practices. At the time, it was traditional for Jewish burial grounds to be located outside city limits, even though it would be a long trip for them to visit loved ones from their homes in north Minneapolis.
And so Adath Yeshurun Cemetery, the second-oldest Jewish cemetery in Minneapolis, was established on a two-acre plot of land purchased by Nathan and Estella Gumbiner in Richfield Township, on a hill overlooking Minnehaha Creek. The cemetery’s existence preceded the incorporation of its newly named home of Edina in 1888.
Two significant additions to Adath Yeshurun Cemetery highlight the strategic planning of its early Association leadership. Early in the 20th century, one gift aided the construction of a chapel that continues to provide religious service and family gathering space on-site. Another gift resulted in the construction of a caretaker’s house, making Adath Yeshurun the only Jewish cemetery in the Twin Cities to employ a full-time caretaker living on-site. Having a caretaker on-site immeasurably decreases the possibility of vandalism and damage.
Since the cemetery’s first burial in 1885, more than 2,000 people have chosen Adath Yeshurun for their final resting place or for a relative. Some families trace family burials at Adath Yeshurun back seven generations. And although Adath Yeshurun Cemetery was founded on Orthodox Judaism’s burial traditions exclusively, it has adapted to changing family needs and cultural requests. Orthodox, Reform and Conservative Jews all are welcome. An interfaith area is available so that Jewish and non-Jewish spouses may be buried together. Remains that have been cremated with a Rabbi’s supervision also will be buried at Adath Yeshurun.
Because Adath Yeshurun is a Jewish family cemetery, because of its beauty, because of its tranquility and because you and your family always will be welcome, visit us. Burial options and contact information is on following pages.
Adath Yeshurun brochure (pdf) for download and printing.
For those who want to do additional research, follow this link to the Minnesota Historical Society Peoples Record search.