Jewish tombstone

Tombstones in Israel

It is custom to set a tombstone at the head of the grave. The tombstones have been a way to honor the deceased since Biblical times, and it is still an important Jewish tradition when burring in Israel.
Many erect the tombstone on the day after Shiva (which is eight days from burial). Others wait until the Shloshim (thirty days), and still others wait twelve months. One should follow the custom of his community and when they feel it is the right time for their own grief process.

We assist in finding the right vendors for the tombstone, it’s engraving and erecting

What should we know about the tombstone ?

Tombstones are usually made from stone or granite. It is customary to engrave the Hebrew name of the deceased and his or her father’s name, as well as the Hebrew date and year of passing on the tombstone.
On all tombstones one adds the Hebrew letters תנצב”ה, which in acrostic form means “May his (her) soul be bound in the binding of life.” Others write on the heading פ”נ , which means “Here is buried.”
Carving or engraving the form of a human being on the tombstone and mounting any pictures is forbidden.
It is also highly advisable to review the text with the Chevra Kaddisha or a competent rabbi before ordering the tombstone.

Burial in Israel was always considered a great privilege and one of the highest honors a Jew could ask.

Main types of stones used for tombstones in Israel

Hebron stone tombstones:

Hebron stone tombstones are tombstones made of stone quarried from the hills surrounding Jerusalem. The stone is made of hard chalk and can be found in several shades of white, cream, beige and light yellow. The Hebron stone is very common in cemeteries throughout the country

Halila stone tombstones:

Tombstones made of Halila stone are tombstones with a relatively smooth texture compared to other natural stones, and can be found in shades of brown, mustard and yellow. Since Halil stone is a type of limestone, it is very sensitive to defects, stains and dirt, and therefore, in order to preserve it for a long time, a special filler must be applied to prevent absorption of stains

Basalt stone tombstones:

Basalt stone is a very strong stone, which is quarried in the lower Galilee area and comes in black shades. The basalt stone is mainly used to design natural, wild and special tombstones. In addition, it can be used as a freely processed rock on top of the tombstone surface. The basalt stone can be combined with other materials to achieve a special and designed result

Granite tombstones:

Granite headstones are considered prestigious and come in a variety of shades of brown, red, and gray. You can use only one type of granite, or combine it with other colors and even with other stones. Granite tombstones radiate luxury and are very impressive to the eye. Also, the granite stone is considered a stone Very strong and durable. The granite stone is polished in order to get the special bright shine that granite has, and its smooth and uniform texture. It is also possible to create special designs in granite, decorations or sculptures

Marble tombstones tombstones:

Marble has a dignified, luxurious, powerful, clean and classic appearance, therefore, many tend to choose marble for its condition. The marble can come in different shapes, different sizes and different thicknesses. The Shleipstein company has many different types of marble in a variety of colors. Turkish marble is a strong and durable marble and comes in shades of gray – light blue. Sardo marble is a stable and durable material over the years and comes in a gray-black color. Tombstones made of Atzmon marble will be shades of light brown, mustard or gray. You can use each type of marble separately, or create a combination between several types. On marble tombstones, an inscription can be engraved in a color that matches the shade of the selected marble

Tombstones cost

The price of tombstones varies by the materials and vendors

Hebron Tombstones cost $1000-2000$
Basalt stone tombstones cost start at 3000$
Granite tombstones cost between 3500$-6000$
Marble tombstones cost between 1500$-2500$

Tombstone design

Recently, there is a frowing trend among families who have lost their loved ones to design tombstones that are not standard, but special and artistic, ones that differ from the other tombstones and reflect the way they would to shape the memory. Sculpted headstones allow to reflect at least in some way the feelings of the family towards the deceased or the personality and character of the deceased. Sculpting in stone allows many options of styles, from a classic and restrained tomb to a polished and designed statue. Commemorating a relative or loved one through a special tombstone is extremely impressive. The variety of stones and rocks is wide, therefore, it is very important to choose the materials from which you want to build the tombstone carefully and to remember that this is a place you will return to again and again and therefore it is important that it also reflects your taste