Jewish Monuments and Memorials

Single Jewish Headstones

Single Jewish headstones serve as a testament to the uniqueness of the departed. In order to express that, there is typically more room on a single headstone for inscriptions or symbols. The feelings of the departed’s spouse are strongly considered when a single headstone is chosen. The surviving spouse does not have to feel awkward about visiting the uninscribed second half of the monument. Instead, a second single stone can be created in the future. This stone will match the original.

The inscription of a single Jewish headstone will read the individual’s name, beloved wife, or husband etc. Following that will be the date of birth and death, and a special epitaph. There is also more room allowed for symbols and prayers. The inscription can vary, but should be very representative of the individual. St. Charles Monuments offers single Jewish headstones that are not only beautifully crafted, but serve as a testament to tradition and expression of faith.

Double Jewish Headstones

Double Jewish headstones symbolize lives shared in unity. They depict the idea that arrangements for the loved one’s spouse have already been taken care of. Double Jewish headstones are meant to offer a sense of peace to the spouse and family of the departed. Designs for double headstones can be creative, minimizing any negative feelings that might arise from a double burial plot.

The headstone will normally include the family name at the top of the monument. Underneath that will be two separate epitaphs. On each side will be the traditional inscriptions describing each person and their information. We have a selection of double Jewish headstones that will express the faith of the family with beautiful design and respect to tradition.

Jewish Headstone Inscriptions

Matzevah is the Hebrew word for the practice of inscribing text to a gravestone. This is done to provide remembrance of an individual who has passed away. Gravestone inscriptions are important in Judaism because of the belief that the physical world is only a transition for the spirit world. The belief is that because the soul continues to live after this life, remembrance of the deceased is important. It is Jewish tradition that burial is not completed until the inscription has been finished.

The Jewish epitaph contains information that is typically inscribed directly into the tombstone in a specific order. First is a Hebrew acronym that stands for “here is buried.” Underneath that will be the deceased’s given name, followed by their hebrew name. Next is inscribed the deceased’s date of death, sometimes with the date of birth as well. Jewish monuments may also include a brief description of the deceased as well as a quote from a prayer written in hebrew letters. Jewish headstones traditionally close with another acronym meaning “may his (or her) soul be bound in the bond of everlasting life”. There are no specific Jewish regulations regarding the sizes and types of foot and headstones, however cemeteries do have specific rules.

Traditional Jewish Headstone Symbols

It is customary for Jewish headstones to include inscriptions of hebrew symbols or pictures. Usually these symbols tell a story or have a deep, spiritual meaning. Much like text inscription, a symbol on a Jewish headstone is a way to honor the memory of the deceased. Oftentimes, the symbol inscribed on a Jewish headstone will depict the deceased’s interests in life, family heritage, or the age at which they passed away.

Some symbols will indicate the person’s faith, like an inscription of a menorah, and others will depict who they were in their life. The Star of David is a common symbol for the grave of a Jewish man. A monument in the shape of a tree stump or with a broken branch indicates that the deceased was young. Another example of a symbol for someone who died young is that of a broken candle. There are hundreds of different kinds of Jewish symbols that can be inscribed into the headstone of your loved one.

Sitting Shiva

Another part of the traditional mourning is sitting Shiva. Shiva (seven) includes participation from parents, spouses, children and siblings. All of the family members will sit together in the deceased persons home, for seven days after the burial.

To prepare for sitting Shiva, it’s important to keep the front doors unlocked, in order to avoid noise and keep the peace. Also, you should have a candle burning for the full seven day period, starting as soon as you return from the cemetery. All mirrors in the house should be covered, this is to avoid worrying about the way you look, and focusing on self reflection. Many people will keep a pitcher of water outside for cleansing. The cleansing is for visitors to wash their hands before entering the home. You may also want to designate a spot for people to keep their shoes because they are not permitted in the home during Shiva (also avoid wearing leather shoes).

Unveiling Ceremony

Our packages include a special cloth for the monument to be covered with. Typically, the monument is covered, for at least 30 days after the burial. The Unveiling Ceremony, usually happens around 11 months after death. Most families will wait until 11 months have passed for the ceremony, in some cases it may be done earlier. These decisions are normally made at the Rabbi’s discretion.

During an unveiling ceremony you can expect:

• Recitation of Psalms.
• A brief eulogy.
• The uncovering of the Headstone.
• The El Maleh Rahamim Prayer.
• The Mourner’s Kaddish Prayer.

For more information about the unveiling ceremony Click here.