{"id":3555,"featured":0,"modified":"2026-04-17 19:58:11","latitude":45.988495436348813427684945054352283477783203125,"longitude":-112.539074420928955078125,"title":"B&#039;Nai Israel Cemetery","subtitle":"","fullsize":"https://storyofbutte.org/files/fullsize/186bced6d3fbaeee059176419c5cd5f3.jpg","address":"","all_locations":[],"zoom":17,"creator":["Story of Butte"],"description":"In 1905, the cemetery was entrusted to B’nai Israel, Montana’s longest continuously operating synagogue, built in 1903. Today, it is managed by Mount Moriah Cemetery, and the fence once separating the two cemeteries has been removed. Although no longer used, the original arched entrance still stands.<br />\r\n<br />\r\nIn 1906, the cemetery faced a threat when prospector Herman Mueller sought to mine the grounds. The Hebrew Benevolent Association successfully obtained a court order from Judge Bourquin, preventing mining activities and protecting both B’nai Israel and Mount Moriah cemeteries.","sponsor":null,"accessinfo":"To access this cemetery, enter through Mount Moriah Cemetery towards the north.","lede":"Established in 1877 by Butte Lodge No. 3 of the Hebrew Benevolent Association, B’nai Israel Cemetery reflects the legacy of Butte’s early Jewish community. Founding members included prominent figures such as Henry Jacobs, Butte’s first mayor, and merchant David Cohen.","website":"","related_resources":[],"factoids":["Featured grave:<br />\r\n<br />\r\nBorn in 1854 in San Francisco to Polish immigrants, Solomon Levy moved to Butte in 1880, where he operated a liquor store, worked as a jailer and deputy sheriff, and later as a night watchman for Symons Dry Goods.<br />\r\n<br />\r\nLevy is remembered for his advocacy for the Cree and Chippewa people of Timber Butte, a marginalized community in early Butte. As a member of Butte’s Fourth of July committee, he helped Native Americans participate in parades and organized public ceremonies, <br />\r\n<br />\r\nincluding Pow Wows at Columbia Gardens in 1902 and 1905, the latter led by Chief Rocky Boy.<br />\r\n<br />\r\nHe died in 1945 at age 91, preceded by his wife and children. A modest headstone, placed by the Butte Pioneers Club, honors his legacy as a bridge between cultures.<br />\r\n<br />\r\n<br />"],"files":{"https://storyofbutte.org/files/fullsize/186bced6d3fbaeee059176419c5cd5f3.jpg":{"id":5864,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Entrance to B&#039;Nai Israel Cemtery.","description":"","thumbnail":"https://storyofbutte.org/files/square_thumbnails/186bced6d3fbaeee059176419c5cd5f3.jpg"}}}