erecting a tombstone

The process of building a headstone is a personal one, designed to commemorate a loved one in a respectful and unique way. The process begins with a consultation, where the family discusses with a company representative their wishes, the character of the deceased, and the way they would like to commemorate their memory. Sometimes, the family wishes to include certain elements in the design of the headstone, such as symbols, verses, or designs that are unique to them.

After understanding the needs and desires, the planning and design phase begins. At this stage, the materials for the construction of the tombstone are selected, which can be natural stone, marble, granite or another material that will suit the design style and location of the cemetery and the cemetery rules (the size of the tombstone and its height). The materials are carefully selected to ensure durability over the years and to preserve the beauty and value of the tombstone.

After the planning phase and selection of materials are complete, the graphic design phase begins. The professional design team prepares a detailed graphic sketch of the tombstone, which includes all the elements the family requested: the text, the decorations, the symbols and the verses. The sketch is sent to the family for review and approval, and if necessary, corrections are made until the perfect result is achieved for the family. This phase is especially important because it allows the family to see what the final tombstone will look like and ensure that it matches their vision and wishes.

Once the planning and design phase is complete, the actual construction phase begins. The artist engraves the inscription and design elements onto the stone according to the family's requests, paying close attention to details and messages that give deep meaning to its condition.

At the end of the work, the tombstone is installed in the cemetery, paying great attention to the location and adhering to the cemetery's guidelines and rules.

The tombstone becomes a point of remembrance that will preserve the memory of the deceased and provide a place where family members and friends can commune with his memory in a respectful and moving way.

Stages in the process of building a tombstone

1. Consultation meeting and decision on design :
• The process begins with a consultation with a company representative who helps plan and design the headstone. During this meeting, the family shares their wants and needs regarding the headstone. This is a stage where it is important to think about the type of stone, the overall design (including any special symbols or verses), and the message the family wants to convey through the headstone .
2. Selection of materials :
• One of the important steps is choosing the materials from which the headstone will be constructed. Common materials include marble, granite, or other natural stone. The choice is made based on the desired style and budget, as well as the durability of the materials over time .
3. Design planning :
• After the consultation, the material is transferred to the company's graphic designer, who creates a design plan for the tombstone. The plan can include engravings, decorations, verses, symbols, and more. The graphic design is planned at the family's request. The plan is submitted for the family's approval before work begins .
4. Request for permits and compliance with Israeli laws :
• The construction of a tombstone in Israel is subject to state laws and cemetery regulations. Each cemetery has unique regulations and procedures. Before starting work, you should check :
• Tombstone height and width restrictions – Different cemeteries have restrictions on the size of the tombstone, depending on the type of grave (regular grave, double grave, etc.), and there are also differences in sizes between plots even within the same cemetery.
• Restrictions on types of materials – Some cemeteries have restrictions on the use of certain materials, such as granite in some kibbutzim .
• Cemetery permits – You must ensure that you have received permission from the cemetery to construct the tombstone. In most cases, you must submit an application that includes the design plan . This is done by the tombstone operator.
• Waiting time – Usually the headstone will be erected for a memorial (30 days), but in some places they wait a year or 11 months to allow the ground to stabilize .
5. Engraving and preparation of the tombstone :
• After receiving the approvals, the actual construction of the tombstone begins. The artist performs the engraving, designs the requested elements, and polishes the stone or selected material. This is a critical stage in which the physical work that brings the design idea to life is carried out .
6. Installing the tombstone in the cemetery :
• After the tombstone is completed, it is installed in the cemetery. It is important to ensure that the installation is done in accordance with the cemetery's guidelines and that the tombstone is properly secured to ensure its stability over time .
7. Final inspection and approval :
• After installation, it is important to conduct a final inspection of the tombstone to ensure that it was erected according to the plans and the family's wishes. Make sure that all inscriptions and engravings are done accurately and that the tombstone meets standards and guidelines .

Required procedures and approvals :

1. Approval from the cemetery – Before construction begins, an application must be submitted for approval from the cemetery where the tombstone will be installed. The application includes the design plan and the details of the grave .
2. Compliance with standards and dimensions – Each tombstone must meet the standards defined by the cemetery. The standards relate to the maximum dimensions of the tombstone and sometimes also to the materials that are permitted to be used .
3. Payment of fees – In most cases, fees must be paid for the erection of the tombstone in the cemetery. The payment depends on the policy of the place, the type of grave and tombstone, and mainly for the foundation, concrete, and preparations that the Kadisha Society performs .