When Beth Israel Cemetery was established in 1844, it was located well outside the small town of Houston. Over the years, the city grew up around the cemetery and Beth Israel became the resting place of many of Houston's most prominent Jewish residents, including merchant families such as the Levys, Meyers and Sakowitzes, philanthropist Ben Taub and Rabbi Hyman Judah Schachtel, who led Congregation Beth Israel for 32 years.

The tour features interesting stories of the notable people buried at Beth Israel and includes a visit to the Temple of Rest, the 1935 Art Deco mausoleum designed by prominent Houston architect Joseph Finger, who is entombed inside.

Tickets go on sale at 1:30 p.m. inside the cemetery gate. Reservations are not required. Free street parking is available nearby; parking is not allowed inside the cemetery. There are no rest rooms in the cemetery.