Some older U.S. cemeteries feature Hebrew or Yiddish (from descendents of Eastern Europe). Yiddish is said to take up much less space on a tombstone and was a more popular choice among people, for example, from Belarus, formerly Lithuania.
Many times, children did not have tombstones, as was the case in the Ahavath Joseph Cemetery in Hawthorne, NJ. There was, however, a deliberate spot to bury children, according to descendants of this congregation, which was founded in the 1890s. Records were not kept, however, of where these children were laid to rest.
Younger adults who died in diphtheria and influenza epidemics were given tombstones with tree trunks, representing early deaths. Additional tombstone icons are discussed below.
Meaning Behind Jewish Tombstone Symbols
Below are just some symbols and their meanings that can be found in older U.S. Orthodox Jewish cemeteries.
- Acorn: This represents a greater life after burial, as an acorn is the beginning of a mighty oak tree.
- Ball: This symbolizes the cycle of life as well as eternity.
- Candle: This represents the eternal light.
- Half a page of a book: This represents a spouse; the other half of the book was meant for the husband or wife.
- Menorah: This seven candle candelabrum is often on the graves of women, symbolizing ancient Judaism.
- Poured vase: This represents a grave of a Levi, or a person who assisted the Kohen or priest with holy hand washing.
- Star of David: Also known as the Shield of David, this symbol classically represents Judaism.
- Tree trunk: This symbolizes a premature death, or a life cut short.
- Two hands with “V” signs: This indicates that the buried individual is a Kohen, a male descendent of the priestly class or Aaron (brother of Moses). Surnames often associated with this include Kohen, Cohen, Kahn, Cahn, Conn, Cahn, Cohn, or Kohn. However, lineages do not necessarily have these surnames.
- Vessel: A symbol of how the body is considered a vessel for the soul.
Stones To Say "We Were Here"
An ancient tradition in Jewish cemeteries is to leave small rocks on top of the tombstones that were visited. It is like saying "we were here" and the people buried in the cemetery are not forgotten, according to Ahavath Joseph members.
It's believed this tradition can be traced back to Biblical times when tombstones were not used, but rather graves were marked with stones. Many of the tombstones symbols are also well-known symbols of Judaism that have been carried throughout the centuries.
Sources:
- Descendents of members of the Ahavath Joseph congregation, Paterson, NJ.
- Jewish Cemetery Association of Massachusetts. “Jewish Cemeteries.” 5767/2006 Edition. Jcam.org.
- World Press. “Jewish Cemeteries and their Symbols.” 16 June 2009.
 |
