Colchester's first Jewish cemetery was consecrated on Sunday at a ceremony attended by 50 people.
The cemetery will provide 90 graves for members of the Colchester community, drawn from north Essex and Ipswich and covering the resorts of Clacton, Frinton and Harwich.
Separate sections will cover different shades of Jewish observance. The cemetery also has burial areas for other religions.
Small communities minister the Rev Malcolm Weisman officiated and a reception was subsequently held at Colchester Synagogue.
The provision is the outcome of three years of negotiations between the Jewish community and Colchester Council. The community's Jennifer Levy Halford paid "special tribute to Councillor Martin Hunt and Colchester Council officers Penny Stynes and Colin Daines for their unswerving support".
To get more from community, click here to sign up for our free community newsletter.