Cantor - A trained vocalist and member of Jewish clergy who leads congregations or groups in song and in prayer. Cantors also officiate major Jewish life cycle events.
El Malei Rachamim - A Jewish prayer for the soul of the departed to have protection and peace. It is also known as the “Memorial Prayer”.
Kevurah - Hebrew for “burial” or “interment”.
Kohen (Kohanim pl.) - A member of the priestly tribe of Israel. Kohanim are granted special privileges in synagogue including being called first to the Torah for an aliyah. Kohanim are memorialized with two hands, with their thumbs and forefingers attached, to symbolize the priestly blessing. Traditionally, the status of a Kohen is determined by paternal lineage, exclusively for men.
Levite - Descended from the tribe of Levi, Levites were responsible for assisting Kohanim in the temple. Levites are memorialized with the symbol of a water picture engraved on their monument, representing their duty of cleaning the hands of Kohanim, the priestly tribe. Traditionally, Levite status is determined by paternal lineage, exclusively for men.
Matzeivah - Hebrew for “monument”.
Mourner’s Kaddish - A traditional prayer recited in memory of the deceased and reminds the living of G-d’s presence in their lives and in their religious and personal communities. Death is never mentioned during the Kaddish, and it is typically recited on the Yahrzeit of one’s passing as well as Yizkor dates.
Psalm 23 - Also referred to as “Mizmor L’David”, Psalm 23 speaks of G-d’s protection from evil and reflects that the Jewish people know G-d is always with them. Psalm 23 is often recited during funerals and unveilings.
Rabbi - Hebrew for “teacher” and a member of Jewish Clergy.
Shloshim - The 30-day period of mourning during which mourners abstain from celebrations including parties, music, and other forms of entertainment. After this period ends, mourners return to their daily activities and traditionally observant families may erect a monument at this time.
Shoah - Hebrew for “catastrophe”, used to refer to the Holocaust. Survivors may include an etching of the Holocaust Survivor symbol or have a bronze medallion affixed to their monument.
Unveiling - A ceremony observing the formal dedication of a monument during which a piece of cheesecloth or other cloth is placed over the monument and is subsequently removed to “unveil” it. While there is no prescribed format for an unveiling service, prayers, psalms, and eulogies or words from family members are typically recited. Unveilings may take place 30 days after the interment, with many families waiting until 11-12 months.
Yahrzeit - The anniversary of one’s passing in accordance with the Hebrew Calendar.
Yizkor - The memorial prayer that is recited five times during the year - on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, the 8th day of Passover, the 2nd day of Shavuot, and the Yahrzeit.
