When the Bulawayo Hebrew Congregation Synagogue was expanded in 1962, this new cemetery ohel (Hebrew for “tent”) chapel designed in a similar aesthetic using the same brick and stucco materials and distinct period details (such as its segmented arched colonnade) was realized just adjacent to an older and much smaller early twentieth century chapel structure.    For over a half a century, the flat-roofed building has served the needs of Jewish funeral customs and services before the burial ceremony in the attractive and well-kept cemetery.

It was on March 26, 1897 that the Bulawayo Hebrew Aid and Benevolent Society was established.   A part of its efforts involved the founding of a Jewish cemetery situated at Fort Street and 4th Avenue.   The organization was the forerunner of the Chevra Kadisha and Free Loan Society.

At the time this watercolor was painted, there were 1,375 Jews buried with their graves organized in neatly-aligned rows adjacent to this chapel.