ViewMate - Image Archive, Image 94960 - Translation - Tombstone - USA - Chicago


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Information

Picture

Question

Category: Translation - Tombstone
Approval Date: 8/22/2021 1:35 PM
Family Surname: Marcus
Country: USA
Town: Chicago

Click the picture to enlarge

Would like to know the English translation. Thank you.

Response

8/22/2021 2:46 PM

Here lies

A simple and upright man

He walked in honesty and did justice

He feared G-d all of his days

DAVID son of Reb Meir

Marcus

He was born 2 Tevet 5617

He passed away 2 Av 5679

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

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

One of the adjectives that describes David is the Hebrew word 'tam'. This word has a number of definitions. I prefer 'simple', which is not derogatory, but indicates that he was a 'regular person' who did not put on heirs. This adjective is applied to the Biblical patriarch Jacob.

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

His father's name is pronounced may-EER.

The 2nd of Tevet of the year 5617 began at sunset on December 28th, 1856, and ended at sunset on the 29th.

The 2nd of Av of the year 5679 began at sunset on July 28th, 1919, and ended at sunset on the 29th.

8/22/2021 2:49 PM

Hello John,

The translation for the Hebrew is as follows:

"Here lies an honest and simple man/(uncomplicated), innocent, who does good deeds and sees ??? all his days.
Dovid Ben/(son of) Reb Maier Marcus, who was born on the 2nd day of the Hebrew month of Teves (followed by the Hebrew year) and died on the 2nd day of the Hebrew month of Av (followed by the Hebrew year). May his soul be bound up in the bonds of life."

**The part above where the question marks appear is usually written differently in Hebrew but generally translates to something similar to "sees G-d". That usually implies a person of faith.

The Hebrew word "Tam", which has been translated as "simple" is really a very complicated word. It signifies a person who is generally pretty "straight-and-narrow" rather than complicated or complex. There is not a reference to intellect, it is rather a reference to a person's character....Jo

8/22/2021 3:15 PM

The second helper seems to have confused the word 'ra-ah', he saw, with 'ya-rei', one who fears.

Thus, "he feared G-d", not "he saw G-d".

8/22/2021 4:41 PM

So glad that someone with more expertise could make the correction. We all learn something. Thanks, Jo

ViewMate Posting VM 94960

Submitted by John Marcus

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 94960

Submitted by John Marcus