Jewish cemeteries of Ukraine of the 16th - early 20th centuries are considered as objects of historical and cultural heritage using the assessment criteria adopted in the monument. Against the background of brief historical information about the stages of the formation of Jewish communities, the genesis and evolution of a special artistic phenomenon - stone tombstones decorated with carvings are traced. Compositional techniques that were used by folk masters in the manufacture of tombstones, differences in various art schools and cells are analyzed. Lists of historical necropolises of the greatest scientific, artistic and historical-memorial value are presented according to the information provided by the Committee for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Ukraine.