Unveiling

Thursday, February 23, 2012

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Unveiling

Unveiling
A monument is erected at the grave any time after shloshim (30 days). The unveiling ceremony usually occurs around the time of the first yahrzeit. Before the ceremony, the headstone is covered with a white sheet. Either a rabbi or the family can recite psalms and say a few words about the deceased. Included are the reading of a few psalms the chanting of El Molya Rachamim, and at the end of the ceremony the covering is removed and the Kaddish is recited. This service is typically short, and is usually attended by invitation only. It is not a requirement in Judaism, but has become a tradition in the United States.

Common Jewish symbols on monuments

Yahrzeit: The wick and flame represent the body and soul and the strong bond between them. Just as the soul always strives upward for what is good and right, so too does the flame burn towards the heavens.

Yahrzeit: The wick and flame represent the body and soul and the strong bond between them. Just as the soul always strives upward for what is good and right, so too does the flame burn towards the heavens.

Torah: Represents the first five books of the Old Testament. It also represents the symbol of Divine Law.

Levi Pitcher: Associated with the Levittes who washed the hands of the High Priests prior to a religious service.

Ten Commandments and Lions: These can be engraved together or seperately. The lion is the symbol of the tribe of Judah. The Ten Commandments are represented by two hewn tablets of stone with the Hebrew numbers from one to ten engraved vertically, five to each tablet, this is among the most popular of Jewish monument symbols. The Hebrew numbers one through ten, represent the first ten letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

Star of David: The most familiar of all Jewish symbols. It’s the symbol of divine protection.

Menorah: Commemorates the destruction of the Temple. The candelabrum is often is used on the monument of a woman.

Cohanim Hands: Symbol of the High Priests. Families with the surname Cohen, Cohn, Cowen, etc. use this to indicate their heritage.

As a member of the Jewish Funeral Directors of America, we are committed to preserving the high standards of professionalism and service demanded by the Jewish tradition. By proudly displaying their symbol, we accept the responsibilities of serving our community and our Jewish heritage.