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Jewish Funeral and Mourning Customs
by Sharon Ann Soudakoff

Meaning Of Symbols On Tombstones:

  • Blessing hand - Cohen
  • Pitcher - Levi
  • Candelabrum and menorah - female
  • Books - author or learned man
  • Star of David - male
  • Crown and Ark with Torah - Rabbinic Authority

Animals Usually Stand For A Name:

  • Dove - Jonah
  • Lion - Aryeh
  • Judah, Leo
  • Fish - Fischel
  • Eagle - Adler
  • Rooster - Hahn
  • Bear - Dov
  • Flowers, fruits, and two lions are standard decorations.

Other Symbols Include:

  • Birds - soul
  • Pigeon - love (From Song of Songs)
  • Garland - youth
  • Broken lilies - young child
  • Broken candle - early death
  • Two doves - husband and wife (double gravestone)
  • Cut tree - (usually palm or oak) - was cut down in the prime of life

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