Jewish Gravestone 2
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Description of the Gravestone
This fragment of a medieval Jewish gravestone bears a Hebrew inscription carved within a recessed inscription field, which is framed by a plain raised border band.
The epitaph begins with the customary formula “Here lies” and ends with the traditional blessing “May his soul be bound in the bond of eternal life”. The text describes the deceased as a faithful and upright man and records that he died on the New Moon, on the Sabbath.
Dated
13th–14th century
Technique Used
The gravestone was produced with a recessed inscription field (sunken relief) containing incised Hebrew lettering.
Condition of the Gravestone
The stone survives in fragmentary form. The upper right corner is broken, and the surface shows signs of weathering.
Inscription on the Gravestone
Transcription | Transliteration | Translation
Transcription (Hebrew)
פ״נ
איש ונאמן
בכל עמל
וימי מרחק
בן הנכבד
בראש חדש
שבת שלום
תנצב״ה
Transliteration
Po nitman
’ish ve-ne’eman
be-khol ‘amal
ve-yemei mirchak
ben ha-nikhbad
be-rosh chodesh
Shabbat shalom
tehi nafsho tzerurah ba-tzror ha-chayim
English Translation
Here lies
a faithful and upright man,
steadfast in all his work,
a man of honour.
He departed on the New Moon,
on the Sabbath of peace.
May his soul be bound in the bond of everlasting life.
The transcription represents exactly what is carved on the stone in Hebrew characters.
The transliteration presents the same text rewritten phonetically in Latin letters, allowing it to be read or pronounced by those unfamiliar with Hebrew script.
The translation conveys the meaning of the text in modern German or English.
Jewish Gravestones
General Information
Form and Inscription
Jewish gravestones are distinguished by their dignified simplicity and deep symbolism.
Traditionally carved from durable materials such as limestone or granite, they were set upright at the head of the grave.
Hebrew inscriptions usually recorded the name of the deceased, the father’s name, the date of death, and a short blessing for eternal peace.
Symbolism and Meaning
Common motifs include the Star of David, the seven-branched Menorah, and hands raised in priestly blessing, symbolising descendants of the priestly class (Kohanim).
Pitchers represent the Levites, who assisted in Temple rituals.
In different regions, local artistic traditions subtly influenced the shape and ornamentation, though Jewish law generally discouraged elaborate decoration or human figures.
Orientation and Sanctity
Gravestones were traditionally oriented eastwards, towards Jerusalem, reflecting Judaism’s deep spiritual connection with the Holy City.
The cemetery itself was regarded as sacred ground – a place of eternal rest, preserved in perpetuity and treated with the utmost respect.