AboutGaddy Yaari Expertise What I do: I'll help you understand Hebrew phrases or single words, as well as answer questions about Jewish practices.
What I don't do: Tattoo translations. For that, try http://www.stars21.com/translator/english_to_hebrew.html
Experience I am a columnist for a Hebrew-language newspaper, and a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Education/Credentials MBA
BA in the US,
Grade school and high school in Israel
Expert: Gaddy Yaari Date: 4/8/2008 Subject: Hebrew for headstone
Question My 92 year old neighbor, Elise Blumenthal died 10 years ago, and lies unidentified under a double headstone. She and her Husband escaped Germany in the 1930's and had no children or relatives. She prepaid for her funeral but made no provision for her inscription. The cemetery has finally accepted my offer to pay for an inscription, however I must supply the Hebrew script. I do not know her Hebrew name. Her Husband's side reads in Hebrew:
Abraham son of
God keep him 768am
XXXXX
XXXXX= may his soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life
I have read that "a woman of valor" and/or "forever in our hearts" is traditional and would be appropriate. I would appreciate a translation or will welcome any suggestion you might have.
Thank you,
Steve Fesler
Answer Hi Steve,
OK. First, Elise's Hebrew name is Aliza. She passed away 10 years ago, which was 5758 on the Jewish calendar.
Now, here is a suggested inscription:
עליזה בלומנטל
(Aliza Blumenthal)
נפטרה ה'תשנ"ח
(Died 5758)
אשת חיל
(A woman of valor)
תנצב"ה
(may her soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life)
And now for the Hebrew spelling:
Aliza = ayin lamed yod zayin heh, עליזה
Blumenthal = bet lamed vav mem nun tet lamed, בלומנטל
Died ('nifterah')= nun peh tet resh heh, נפטרה
5758 in Hebrew numerals: heh apostrophe tav shin nun quote het, ה'תשנ"ח
