Inscription on a tombstone: meaning, tradition and what is forbidden to write

The inscription on a tombstone is a central part of commemorating the memory of the deceased. It is an emotional and important element, carefully chosen by the family and combining personal, cultural and religious elements. On this page, we will examine the principles of writing inscriptions on tombstones, provide examples of traditional wording, and clarify what is prohibited by law and tradition.

Inscription on her tombstone - What is written on her tombstone according to Jewish tradition ?

According to Jewish tradition, an inscription on a tombstone usually includes a fixed text indicating the name of the deceased, the Hebrew dates of birth and death (usually only the Hebrew date of death is written because this is the date on which the memorial ceremony is held each year) and sometimes an additional text expressing his qualities, actions, or Bible verses related to his memory.

Inscription on tombstones - traditional components :

1. Acronyms :
• The inscription on a Jewish tombstone usually begins with the initials " PN " , which is an abbreviation for "buried here" or "buried here". This is a wording that indicates that this is the resting place of the deceased .
2. Name of the deceased :
• The full name of the deceased, including the family name and sometimes the parents' names, is a central part of the inscription. In some cases, the father's name will also appear (such as "son/daughter of so-and-so " ).
  
3. Dates :
• The date inscription includes the day of birth (less frequently requested) and the day of death (to determine the date of the memorial service), usually in Hebrew and sometimes in a foreign date. Strictly stating the Hebrew date is part of the tradition, but the foreign date can also be added according to the family's wishes, whether a full date (day, month, and year) or just the year of birth and year of death.
4. Bible verses :
• It is customary to include Bible verses related to the life or values ​​of the deceased in the inscription on the tombstone. Examples of common verses :
• " May his soul be bound in the bundle of life" (from the Book of Samuel 1, Chapter 25 )
• " And your righteousness will go before you, the glory of the Lord will gather you" (Isaiah 40:8 )
5. Brief description of the deceased :
• An inscription about the deceased's qualities can include a description such as "a man of kindness and truth," "a lover of Torah and commandments," "a woman of God's fear," or another characteristic that was prominent in the deceased. Most often, the description is personal and expresses the family's feelings toward them .
6. Ending with the inscription "Tantzva" :
• At the end of the inscription, it is customary to write the initials "Tantzeva" , which are an abbreviation for "May his soul be bound in the bundle of life" – an expression symbolizing the hope that the soul of the deceased will find eternal rest in the next world .

Inscription on tombstone by name

When choosing an inscription for a tombstone, you can include the name of the deceased in a respectful and moving manner, alongside dates and phrases that express love, memory, and appreciation.

Tombstone inscription examples :

• " A man of kindness and truth, a lover of people and close to hearts "
• " A strong woman who fears God, devoted to her home and family "
• " In memory of an exemplary man and exemplary father, who walked in the ways of truth "
• " May his soul be bound in the bundle of life "
• " He passed away on the 22nd of Kislev, 5772, and was gathered to his ancestors. " You can see additional examples on our website.

Text for a tombstone - What is forbidden to write on a tombstone ?

Inscriptions on gravestones, while giving the family freedom of expression, are also subject to a number of religious and legal restrictions. It is important to avoid a few things:

1. An inscription that disrespects the deceased :
• According to tradition and the law, the inscription must not include statements that are offensive or disrespectful to the deceased. Any wording or description must be sensitive and respectful .
2. Symbols or texts that are incompatible with religion :
• In Jewish cemeteries, there is a guideline not to include symbols or expressions that are not in accordance with Jewish tradition. For example, it is not customary to use Christian symbols, pagan motifs, or expressions that are not in accordance with religious law .
3. Commercial or personal advertising :
• The use of the tombstone as a platform for personal, business, or other advertising should be avoided. The inscription on the tombstone should remain respectful and focused solely on the memory of the deceased .
4. Excessive personal information :
• Although writing the caption is a personal act, care should be taken not to include unnecessary details such as personal secrets, sensitive details, or information that could harm the honor of the family or the deceased .
   

Tombstone Text - The Process of Choosing a Tombstone Inscription

Choosing an inscription for a tombstone is an emotional and sometimes complex process. It is recommended to consult with the local rabbi or the artist designing the tombstone to choose an inscription that is appropriate to the family's tradition and feelings. The inscription should be done with respect and sensitivity, while understanding the deceased's personal story. 

Writing on a tombstone - steps for choosing an inscription :

1. Family discussion – It is important to have a family conversation and share the feelings, memories, and qualities of the deceased that are worth highlighting .
2. Choosing the wording of the tombstone – After the family has finalized the desired wording, they can choose whether to include verses, traditional expressions, or personal content .
3. Approval with the artist and the cemetery – Before enacting the inscription on the tombstone, it is important to make sure that the wording has been approved by the family, to ensure that it complies with local rules .
4. The draft must be approved and signed for proofreading and checked to ensure that no errors occur at this stage .

The inscription on a tombstone is a significant part of the commemoration, allowing us to cherish the memory of our loved one in a personal and moving way. There are different types of inscriptions on tombstones, from short and moving sentences to verses from sources or personalized quotes. When choosing a tombstone inscription, you can combine words that express love, memory, and appreciation. There are inscriptions on tombstones in different styles, including traditional and modern versions. For those looking for tombstone inscription examples, you can draw inspiration from existing tombstones or seek the help of professionals in the field of tombstone writing. You can also choose an inscription on a tombstone by name, to create a personal dedication that will reflect the character of the deceased. Ultimately, a selection of tombstone inscriptions allows every family to find the right words to commemorate their loved ones in a respectful and touching way.

Essay on her tombstone - summary

Tombstone inscriptions are an important part of commemorating a loved one, and great thought must be given to the wording and choice of words. Jewish tradition dictates several basic components such as a memorial (over 80% do not write because this is where the tombstone is located), a memorial service, the Hebrew date to remember the memorial day in many years, and appropriate verses, but there is also room for personal and family expression. It is important to ensure that the inscription is respectful, sensitive, and meaningful, while adhering to the rules and guidelines.

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