ViewMate - Image Archive, Image 96631 - Translation - Tombstone


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Information

Picture

Question

Category: Translation - Tombstone
Approval Date: 1/2/2022 12:31 PM
Family Surname: Gordon, Karabelnik

Click the picture to enlarge

The JOWBR translation for the inscription of this tombstone is "Elka bat Aharon haKohen." https://www.jewishgen.org/databases/cemetery/jowbr.php?rec=J_NY_0160727

Ella's father is Aaron Karabelnik, and several of Ella's brothers changed their surname to Cohen.

My question is whether the inscription "Aharon Cohen" means he was a Kohen or just that his surname was Cohen.

Thank you,

David

Response

1/2/2022 12:56 PM

It is hard to answer your question with 100% certainty.

As written, the text translates to "Elka, daughter of Aharon Cohen". This would imply that Cohen is the family name.

To indicate that her father was an actual Cohen, the last word should not simply be Cohen, but should have the prefix "ha", which means "the". Aharon "the Cohen", which is the (incorrect) translation on the website, would indicate that he was a Cohen.

You say that her brothers changed their names to Cohen. This would usually (but not absolutely necessarily) indicate that they were Cohanim. But, again, the stone here simply says "Cohen", and not "the Cohen".

Unfortunately tombstones often have errors. It is possible that the stone should say haCohen, but that the engraver accidentally left out this letter.

ViewMate Posting VM 96631

Submitted by David Brostoff

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 96631

Submitted by David Brostoff