The Caslav* Jewish Cemetery Restoration Project.

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Photo Essay by Rita Reed       Project Donors and Supporters      The Caslav Synagogue      List of Surnames in the Caslav Jewish Cemetery

* Please note: The "C" in Caslav is pronounced like the "ch" in church.

A Message From Al Stein

Although I was the youngest of his six grandchildren, or because of it, I bonded with my Grandfather, Ignatz "Goodie" Seideman, at an early age. I followed much of his later life until he died in1960 at the age of 92. But it wasn’t until I started doing family genealogy about 40 years later, that I truly began to understand and appreciate the great and grand man he really was. Although he left his childhood home of Caslav, Bohemia, it never left him.

After establishing himself in America, he married Anna Steiner of Caslav who bore three daughters for him before her premature death in 1902. He cajoled his 21 year old spinster sister to join him in the USA to help raise his young children. Three years later, he arranged her marriage to Rudolf Steiner, a cousin of his deceased wife. When Rudolf died in the Influenza epidemic of 1919, in gratitude for her past help, he agreed to support her, which he did until she died.

Before the financial crash in 1929, Goodie purchased a large tract of woodland, fields and stream that contained a large farmhouse. On part of this property he built three cottages, one of which he gave as a belated wedding present to each of his daughters. Over the years, I spent many hours with Goodie, working or just walking the farm. He talked a great deal about the family in Caslav.

He told me that in the late 1930s he offered to sponsor any of the relatives in Europe who needed visas to come to the USA. We knew, and tried to warn them about how bad it was. But they said it wasn’t so bad and that they didn’t want to leave their homes and friends. Then it was too late! I know three people, not relatives, whose lives were saved by his sponsorship. This is the man who was the role model for my life. This is the man I hope I am.

I am grateful to Rita Reed, for her permission to use her pictures and the story of her 1990 visit. (Click Here to see Rita Reed's photo essay) She has given me the incentive to look beyond just my family, and lead the effort to restore the Caslav Jewish Cemetery. This is being done for the families of all the past Jewish residents of Caslav, even those who were not fortunate enough to be buried in this hallowed ground.

To see the list of surnames of those who are buried in this cemetery, Click Here.  If you are a namesake of anyone on this list, this restoration project should be of moral and religious importance to you. Consider your support a mitzvah. This fund drive is not open-ended. Once we reach our goal [Click Here to see a Progress Report], you will not be asked again. All donations are tax deductible .   Click Here to see how to donate.

For more information about Al Stein's genealogical research, please CLICK HERE.