ViewMate - Image Archive, Image 94394 - Translation - Tombstone - USA


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Information

Picture

Question

Category: Translation - Tombstone
Approval Date: 7/14/2021 2:09 PM
Family Surname:
Country: USA
Town: Pittsburgh PA

Click the picture to enlarge

A translation of the Hebrew script to English

Response

7/14/2021 2:27 PM

Here lies a simple and honest man

Reb TZVI son of Reb Dov Loi'er

He passed away 24 Kislev 5677

May his soul be bound up in the bond of life.

======================================================
One of the adjectives that describes the deceased is the Hebrew word 'tam', which has several definitions. I prefer to translate it as 'simple'; this is not derogatory, but is an adjective that was used to describe the forefather Jacob. Other helpers here prefer different translations, such as 'complete'.

'Reb' is an honorific; it does not mean rabbi.

I have transcribed the family name as it is written in the Hebrew, Loi-er. Phonetically, this sounds like lawyer.

The 24th of Kislev (which was the eve of Chanukah) of the year 5677 began at sunset on December 18th, 1916, and ended at sunset on the 19th.

7/14/2021 5:18 PM

Hello Robert,

I noticed that the name is written as H. Lawyer on the bottom. While his Hebrew name is inscribed as Zvi, it might interest you to know that "Hirsch/Hersh is the Yiddish equivalent. Since no full given name is offered on the tombstone, you might use Hirsch or Hersh to guide you in that part of your search.

His father's name is inscribed as Dov Loiyer. Dov is definitely his given name, however, I do not recognize Loiyer as a given name. So, it appears that it is a given and surname, and that would coincide with the surname of "Lawyer". I make this point, as it is not often that a surname is included in Hebrew or Yiddish on the stone. The usual format is: the deceased son/daughter of the father's single or double given name. (Surnames do not usually appear inscribed in Hebrew.)

Jo

Jo

7/14/2021 7:32 PM

Here Lies
איש תם וישר
A note on these words: We try to get into the mindset of whoever composed the wording to be engraved on a loved-one's tombstone. Which of the several meanings for the word "tam" was their intention? Logically, a person wouldn't summarize a departed loved one to have been a "simple" person. We therefore go to the "other" meanings of the word "tam" to see which fits: complete, wholesome, integrity, pious, innocence. Your guess would be as good as any ViewMate translator's.

ViewMate Posting VM 94394

Submitted by Robert Rosner

Learn more about our organizational leadership, mission, and values. There are numerous opportunities to get involved yourself!

Search millions of records from around the globe, including more than 4 million records related to the Holocaust, and more than 4.2 million burial records. Records are continually added each month - check back often for new information!

Discover your ancestral town, explore geographic/regional based sections of the JewishGen site (Research Divisions), and explore what daily life was like for your ancestors - and what we can learn from them today.

Enhance your research with online classes and dozens of helpful articles. University students can apply for the Bennett & Robin Greenspan L'dor V'dor Legacy Program, and those "out of school" can help preserve Jewish Heritage in Poland with unique study & volunteer experiences.

Connect with tens of thousands of other JewishGen members via the Family Finder, Discussion Group, Facebook Group, and ViewMate. It's a great way to share success, ask questions, and stay informed of the happenings throughout the Jewish genealogical community.

The JewishGen site is offered as a free public resource. However, it costs a lot of money to maintain and expand our services. If you are in a position to do so, please consider a contribution today - your support will make a difference!

ViewMate Posting VM 94394

Submitted by Robert Rosner