ViewMate - Image Archive, Image 94609 - Translation - Tombstone - USA


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Information

Picture

Question

Category: Translation - Tombstone
Approval Date: 7/28/2021 12:08 PM
Family Surname: Lichtbraun
Country: USA

Click the picture to enlarge

I believe this to be the grave stone of Martin Lichtbraun, who died 13 December 1973 according to cemetery records. But only the surname is in Latin characters. Does the Hebrew confirm this or provide any additional, genealogically relevant information? Does it give the Hebrew date of death? If so, what is it?

Response

7/28/2021 1:51 PM

Yes, the dates match.

================================================

The image at the top of the stone shows the hands of a priest (Cohen) when blessing the congregation.

===================================================

At the top is a quote from the prayer service. It translates to "Your Cohanim [priests] will wear justice and your pious one will sing with joy."

Here lies my dear husband and my dear father

A simple and honest man

One who loves Torah and respects the rabbis

Reb MORDECHAI son of Reb Avraham Eliya[hu] the Cohen

He passed away 18 Kislev 5734

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

===================================================

A few comments:

Based on the singular use, "MY" father, it appears that he had only one child (or, only one child who was still alive when he passed away)

The deceased is described by the Hebrew adjective “tam”. This word has a number of translations; of these, I prefer “simple”, in the sense of “a regular person, who did not put on airs”. In the Bible, the forefather Jacob is described with this adjective. Some other helpers prefer alternate definitions, such as “perfect” or “complete” or “honest”. However, “yashar”, the second adjective on the stone, also means honest or straightforward.

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

The second part of his father's Hebrew name is abbreviated. It could represent either of the names Eliya or Eliyahu. Eliyahu is more common.

The 18th of Kislev of the year 5734 began at sunset on December 12th, 1973, and ended at sunset on the 13th.

7/28/2021 2:21 PM

Hello Peter,

The translation is as follow, with a beautiful saying on the top line:

"Your neighbor will wear justice, and your followers will follow.

Here lies my husband and my father, a simple/(uncomplicated) and honest man, a lover of Torah and cherishes (things rabbinic???). Reb Mordechai, Ben Reb Avraham Ali***, the Kohane, who died on the 18th day of Kislev (followed by the Hebrew year). May his soul be bound up in the bonds of life."

Some notes here pertaining to the inscription:

The word "Tam", which is usually translated as simple needs more explanation. It refers to a man who is uncomplicated and more pure, basically one who does not get sidetracked. As a lover of Torah and what I might see as one who cherishes rabbinic ways, it is a very positive attribute. This word does NOT have anything to do with intellect.

The word "Reb" is used as a title of respect preceding the double names of both the son and his father. The father's name is translated as Avrahom Ali***, as this is an abbreviation, but I don't know what the rest of that name would be. In addition, his father was of the tribe of Kohanim (those who served as Priests in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem), and the designation is carried forward from father to son since that period of time.

Jo

ViewMate Posting VM 94609

Submitted by Peter L Zavon

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 94609

Submitted by Peter L Zavon