Decoding what is on a Jewish tombstone:
In addition to names and dates, here are the common Hebrew words which appear on tombstones.
Here lies (abbreviation)
Po Nikbar
Po Nikbar
Son of
Ben
Ben
Daughter of
Bat
Bat
The Levite
Ha-Levi
Ha-Levi
The Kohen
Ha-kohen
Ha-kohen
The Rabbi
Ha-rav
Ha-rav
Dear, Beloved (masc.)
Ha-yakar
Ha-yakar
Dear, Beloved (fem.)
Ha-y’karah
Ha-y’karah
Father
Av
Av
My Father
Avi
Avi
Our Father
Avinu
Avinu
Mother
Eem
Eem
My Mother
Eemi
Eemi
My husband
Baali
Baali
My wife
Ishti
Ishti
Brother
Akh
Akh
My Brother
Akhi
Akhi
Our Brother
Akhinu
Akhinu
Sister
Akhot
Akhot
Aunt
Dodah
Dodah
Uncle
Dod
Dod
Symbols
Two hands, with four fingers each divided into two sets of two fingers, is the symbol of a priestly blessing — this signifies a Kohen, a descendant of the biblical high priest Aaron.
A Rabbi is represented by the Tablets of law – 10 commandments
A woman is represented with a candle or menorah
A man is represented with a Star of David
