All posts by : Kyle Liang

The death of a loved one is an emotional and stressful time for those who were closest to them. Aside from mourning their loss, family members also need to plan memorial services, host Shiva, and create a monument that reflects their loved one’s faith and keeps their memory alive. If you’re unsure about what to include in your loved one’s headstone, our guide will cover the most common symbols and inscriptions you’ll find on Jewish monuments to help you make a decision.

Common Symbols And Inscriptions Found On Jewish Headstones

Hebrew Epitaphs

Many Jewish families add heartfelt inscriptions or important religious symbols on a monument to respect the deceased’s legacy. They generally start with “Here lies” or פ נ in Hebrew and follow with a quick epithet about the person and the epitaph at the bottom. These inscriptions are often biblical verses, prayers, or other religious inscriptions that reflect a loved one’s life.

The Star Of David

The Star of David is one of the most important symbols of Judaism. This six-pointed star represents the connection between God and His followers, the six working days of creation, and other important elements of the Jewish identity. Those who have it on their tombstone want a strong connection with their faith, even after they pass.

Your Loved One’s Hebrew Name

A Hebrew name is essential to a Jewish person’s identity, especially if they’re religious. Most Jewish names are based on family members, but some families choose a name based on holidays or other symbolism. In a Jewish headstone, a person’s Hebrew name usually goes right after the “Here lies” abbreviation.

The Hebrew Date Of Death

The Hebrew calendar has a much longer history than the western one, going back a full 3,670 years before the western calendar we use today.  That said, many followers of the Jewish faith prefer using the Hebrew calendar to feel more in touch with their faith. While it isn’t required to include it in a monument, some Jewish families add it alongside their Georgian one.

The Tree Of Life

Also known as the Etz Chaim in Hebrew, the Tree of Life represents the connection between the human and spiritual worlds. It can also represent an extension of God’s teachings, the map of the universe, and the transformation a person experiences throughout their lifetime. 

Why Do Jewish People Put Stones On Graves?

If you’ve visited a Jewish cemetery before, you’ve probably seen many headstones covered with stones. It’s a centuries-old tradition for Jewish people to honor their family member’s legacy after they’re gone. Many families bring stones from a particular place their loved one enjoyed, choose a stone that represents their family member in some way, or simply one that looks special to them. There’s no right or wrong way to practice this tradition as long as you keep the memory of your loved one alive.

Final Thoughts

Designing a personalized headstone is one of the most meaningful ways to honor your loved one’s legacy and faith. At Eternal Memorials, we create customized Jewish headstones for grieving families across Long Island, NYC, and beyond. Please contact us or give us a call at (631) 755-1200 to learn more about how we can assist you through this difficult time.

A monument is an essential step in honoring the loss of your loved one. And if you decide to customize it, you can give the memorial a unique flair that celebrates your loved one well after they’ve passed. If you need help figuring out where to start with monument customization, our guide will highlight some popular options to help you create a unique tribute.

Why Is Monument Customization Important?

A customizable monument allows you and your family to reflect on your loved one’s life, personality, and beliefs. Personal touches like engravings or a unique headstone color can help tell the story of your deceased relative and serve as an important symbol for future generations to honor and remember. The more personalized you make your monument, the more it can represent your loved one and ensure they won’t ever be forgotten.

What Kind Of Monument Customization Options Are Available?

With so many headstone and monument customization options, deciding which is best can be overwhelming. Let’s go through the most popular ones to help you create a lasting tribute:

Engravings and Inscriptions

Adding personalized inscriptions or engravings to a monument is one of the simplest ways to add a personal touch to your monument. This can include the deceased’s name, dates, a favorite quote, or a personal message from their closest relatives. This customization is the heart of a monument’s message and is the best way to share a part of the deceased’s story with those who come to pay their respects.

Headstone Color

Choosing a unique color for the headstone can significantly impact its appearance. Granite headstones, for example, come in different colors like black, mahogany, and pink. Choosing a color significant to your loved one or one that complements the inscription can enhance the monument’s visual appeal and personal significance.

Laser-Etched Portraits

Laser etching lets you put a permanently inscribed image onto the surface of a headstone. This could be a portrait of the deceased, a picture of their favorite place, or any other meaningful imagery that celebrates their life. This incredibly precise and durable technology ensures this image stands the test of time. 

Sculpted Elements

Sculpted elements like angels, flowers, or other meaningful symbols can turn a headstone into a work of art. These elements can be tailored to reflect personal memories or religious symbolism that adds to a monument’s depth and beauty.

Custom Shapes And Sizes

Rectangular headstone shapes aren’t the only option when creating a monument. There are plenty of custom shapes and sizes available. Whether it’s a heart, a book, or any other unique form, custom gives you and your loved one more creative freedom when designing your monument.

Create A Customized Monument For Your Loved One

A unique, custom-made monument will keep your loved one’s memory alive for generations.  It transforms the memorial into a personal and intimate space where family and friends can feel a deeper connection when they visit. Our team at Eternal Memorials is here to create a stunning monument that honors the memory of your loved one. If you have any questions or want to learn more about our services, please contact us today.

The right cemetery plot is an essential part of your loved one’s final resting place. Choosing one is all about finding an ideal location that balances their wishes and your family’s needs. If you’re unsure about where to put your loved one’s remains to rest, this guide will walk you through the most important aspects to think about before making a final purchase.

Why Is The Cemetery Plot’s Location Important?

Choosing the cemetery plot’s location is more than just finding a random place to put your loved one’s remains. It’s another opportunity to honor their wishes while making it easy for friends and family to visit. Additionally, a plot’s location could hold significant emotional value. For example, if your deceased family member loved being near the water, having their plot near a stream or other water source could offer a serene environment that uniquely reflects their spirit.

What To Look Into When Choosing A Cemetery Plot

When choosing a plot, the are plenty of things you need to consider before making a final decision: 

Cost

A cemetery plot’s price can vary dramatically depending on the location, type, and amenities available. That said, expect to pay anywhere between $500 for a basic one and $10,000 for a more desirable location. Before buying one, consider all associated costs, including maintenance fees, to ensure the plot is within your financial means.

Location

A big reason why memorials exist is so family and friends can visit and pay their respects to their loved ones. Consider the cemetery’s distance to where everyone lives, the ease of access, and the surroundings within the cemetery itself. An easily accessible plot in a well-maintained area makes visits a more comforting experience.

Cemetery Rules and Regulations

Every cemetery has its own set of rules and regulations every person needs to follow, including:

• Headstone style
• Monument installations
• The plants you place on a site
• Hours of operation

Researching each cemetery’s rules will ensure that your chosen place allows you to honor your loved one how they wanted.

Type Of Plot

There are plenty of different plot styles available, including standard plots, companion plots, and family plots. Also, you need to consider whether your loved one prefers a traditional burial or cremation. Deciding on one of these will affect the type of space you need. Each plot type has its own pros and cons, so make sure to choose one that aligns with your family’s needs.

Choose The Perfect Resting Place For Your Loved One

Choosing a cemetery plot is essential to honoring your loved one’s memory. By researching before buying one, you can find a peaceful place to lay them to rest. If you’re still undecided on which cemetery plot or location is right for you, Eternal Memorials partners with various cemeteries in the area that could fit your needs. Please reach out and contact us if you have any questions or want to learn more about our services today.

Many families design a beautiful headstone for their loved one that honors their memory for generations. But as you get caught up with other responsibilities, you might not have the time to maintain it. Over time, the monument’s lettering naturally starts to fade, get dirty, and fall apart.

Thankfully, there are plenty of monument restoration providers that can give your loved one’s monument back to life. Discover how the monument restoration process works and what types of services are commonly available.

Why Is Restoring Your Monument Important?

Restoring a loved one’s monument is more than ensuring it looks well cared for. A monument could be your family’s way of preserving heritage. Additionally, environmental hazards and general neglect will worsen a monument’s appearance. With restorations, you’ll ensure they last a lifetime and keep your family member’s memory alive.

Common Types Of Monument Restoration Services

When you and your family restore your loved one’s monument, you’ll have plenty of services to choose from, depending on what you need. From simple cleaning to conservation, the right memorial provider will ensure it looks new. Here are a few main services they offer:

• Removing dirt and stains
• Stabilization to ensure the monument doesn’t sink
• Repairing cracks, chips, and structural weaknesses.
• Restoring inscriptions and other faded lettering
• Fixing damages caused by vandalism
• Guidance on how to maintain your monument

What Is The Monument Restoration Process Like?

A full monument restoration process will ensure your monument looks pristine and protect it from future damages. Here are some of the key steps involved:

Cleaning The Monument

The provider will start the process by cleaning the monument. They’ll use special techniques appropriate for your monument’s material to remove dirt, moss, and other buildup that might cause further damage.

Monument Stabilization

It’s important to regularly stabilize your  monument, especially if it’s older or structurally unsafe. A specialist will fix the foundation and repair broken parts to keep it from deteriorating any further.

Fixing Damages And Inscriptions

Damage repairs are the most time-consuming part of restoring a monument. The specialist will need to mend cracks, replace missing pieces, and fix faded inscriptions. But once they’re finished, your monument will look more stunning than before.

Regular Maintenance Planning

After restoring your loved one’s monument, setting up regular maintenance will help you keep it in shape and protect it from the elements. A maintenance visit might include monument cleaning, inspection, and repairing any minor damages as they come up.

Restore Your Loved One’s Memorial

Bringing your loved one’s monument back to life is the best way to show you haven’t forgotten about them. Eternal Memorials  partners with skilled monument restoration artisans that perform major repairs and return your monument to its original condition. After an initial assessment, we’ll guide you through our options so you can choose what’s best for you and your family. Please contact us online or give us a call at (631) 755-1200 to learn more about our services.