Design and construction of a tombstone
Designing and Building a Headstone – A Thoughtful and Artistic Process
The design and construction of a headstone is a process that combines artistic vision with professional craftsmanship. The uniqueness of each headstone reflects the character and personality of the departed—expressed through the choice of stone, shape, color, and personalized elements such as artwork or inscriptions.
Headstones vary in both the materials used and the design, as well as the burial type chosen by the family. At Shaish Winkler, we specialize in creating all types of headstones for various forms of burial, including:
In the past, field burial was the standard practice in Israel. Today, due to space limitations and the need to serve the growing Jewish population, a variety of burial methods have been introduced. Each cemetery adopts a burial approach suitable to its size and the community it serves.
The burial method offered as part of the public burial services is the one practiced at the designated cemetery to which the deceased is assigned, based on official population registry.
In cemeteries located in major cities, dense burial (k’vura revuya) is now widely practiced to conserve space. This includes methods such as:
Choose the Right Headstone for Your Loved One
You may select any type of material for your loved one’s headstone—natural stone, marble of all kinds and colors, all crafted in a unique and artistic design. We will guide you through the entire process: choosing the stone, the design, selecting a font or illustration to personalize the monument.
We recommend choosing a stone that visually conveys the message and emotional tone you wish to express.
A headstone typically includes the deceased’s name, date of birth, and date of passing, along with a few words that uniquely reflect their life. Sometimes, symbols or small sculptures are added—such as a Star of David—to indicate religious affiliation.
You are welcome to consult with our professional team at any stage regarding text, design, or graphic elements. We understand the emotional importance of this process for families and approach it with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism.
The Headstone Unveiling Custom
It is customary to visit the cemetery and hold a headstone unveiling ceremony (Gilui Matzeva) on the 30th day following the burial. For this reason, we recommend addressing all matters related to the headstone immediately after the shiva (seven-day mourning period) to ensure it is completed on time and to the family’s satisfaction.
At Shaish Winkler, we are committed to delivering and installing the headstone by the agreed-upon date, as scheduled during your order.
The Headstone Dedication Ceremony
The headstone dedication ceremony typically takes place on the 30th day and again on the one-year anniversary. It includes traditional prayers and psalms, similar to those recited during the memorial visit at the end of shiva.
On the 30th day, it is customary to light a memorial candle at home and place one in a visible spot, as well as in the synagogue. The “thirty” (shloshim) refers to the first 30 days of mourning, starting from the day of burial.
Following shiva, some mourning customs continue. After the shloshim, mourning ends for most relatives, except for those mourning a parent, for whom mourning continues for eleven additional months.
During the thirty-day period, mourners gradually return to daily life and work, but traditionally refrain from haircuts, shaving, wearing new clothing, attending celebrations, or listening to music. Many continue to light memorial candles throughout this period.
It is also customary to recite the Mourner’s Kaddish in prayers during the thirty days.
If the 30th day falls on a Saturday (Shabbat), the visit to the grave typically takes place on the Friday before or the Sunday after.
