We are aware of three Jewish cemeteries in Khashchevatoye. 

• The oldest had been used from the 19th century through 1920. There is today almost no remaining evidence of its existence, only a few remaining pieces of tombstones. The stones had been taken and mainly used to build houses and roads. 

• The second cemetery was built a bit outside the village, in a forest. This one also has very few remaining tombstones. Some years ago, one of the descendants collected funds to clean up the overgrown cemetery, which had really become part of the forest. At the end of the project, we erected a small monument, went to the cemetery, said our prayers, lit candles and remembered our ancestors. But sadly, the maintenance was not kept up, and the area has again become overgrown and in need of attention. 

• The third, more recent cemetery, has been in use since 1943. It is large and well-maintained. Within this cemetery stands a memorial commemorating the tragedy in Khashchevatoye. Almost 1000 Jewish residents of the village were rounded up and shot. I have pictures and names of almost all the tombstones in it.

Landmandschaften from Khashchevatoye's people 

There were three societies (Landmanschaften) responsible for the burials in New York.

·       Original Chashshivater Aid Society

·       Chasewater Young Men’s Aid Society

·       Original Chasewater Aid Society

We looked in YIVO. We could only find mention of a synagogue. If anyone has such archives at his home, we’d be very happy if you could share it with us. It would help us to better understand the lives of these early immigrants.

Landmanschaften (singular: Landmanschaft) were mutual aid societies formed by immigrants in the United States. These organizations played a significant role in the 20th century, especially in its first half.

They were created by immigrants from the same region or town. They provided social, cultural and economic support to their members. They offered financial assistance (e.g. insurance, funeral benefits), organized social events and cultural activities and helped to maintain the “Old Country” language and traditions and, of course, to settle and find employment.