Jewish Cemetery Association of Greater Waterbury
Our Mission
Preserving sacred ground and honoring generations of Jewish heritage in Greater Waterbury
Who We Are
The Jewish Cemetery Association of Greater Waterbury (JCAW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, maintenance, and stewardship of nine Jewish cemeteries in the greater Waterbury, Connecticut area.
Founded in 2003 through the vision of community leader Leo Goldberg, JCAW was established to ensure that the burial heritage of Waterbury's Jewish community would be protected for generations to come. The cemeteries under our care were originally founded in the first half of the twentieth century by Jewish fraternal, landsmanshaft, and congregational organizations — each reflecting a distinct thread of immigrant Jewish life in Connecticut.
Operated entirely by volunteers, JCAW approaches its work guided by the Jewish principle of kavod ha-met (כָּבוֹד הַמֵּת) — honor for the deceased. We believe that the proper care of these sacred grounds is not merely a practical obligation but a moral and spiritual one.
Our Core Values
Kavod — Respect
We treat every burial ground, every headstone, and every family with the utmost dignity and reverence.
Zikaron — Remembrance
We preserve the memory of those interred in our cemeteries and the communities they built.
Achrayut — Responsibility
We accept the sacred obligation to maintain these grounds in perpetuity, regardless of the challenges involved.
Kehillah — Community
We serve all families connected to our cemeteries, regardless of affiliation, background, or means.
Support Our Mission
Your charitable gift directly funds the preservation of nine historic Jewish cemeteries
JCAW is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Maintaining nine cemeteries across the greater Waterbury area requires year-round effort and resources. Your gift funds groundskeeping, headstone restoration, infrastructure repairs, and the administrative work that keeps these sacred spaces accessible and dignified.
Grounds Maintenance
Mowing, clearing, and seasonal upkeep of all nine cemetery properties throughout the year.
Headstone Restoration
Cleaning, resetting, and repairing damaged or fallen monuments to preserve family legacies.
Infrastructure & Access
Maintaining pathways, fencing, gates, and drainage so families can visit safely and with ease.
Records & Research
Digitizing burial records and supporting grave search services for families tracing their heritage.
JCAW is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax ID available upon request.