Hebrew and English on
Memorial Plaques: A Complete Guide

The inscription on a memorial plaque is permanent. Once engraved, it will remain exactly as written for decades — read by family members, by clergy, by strangers who never knew the person it commemorates. Getting it right matters enormously.

This guide covers everything synagogue administrators and families need to know about what to inscribe on a memorial plaque.

Standard Plaque Content

A standard synagogue memorial plaque typically contains the following elements:

1. The person's English name
2. The Hebrew name
3. Year of birth (optional)
4. Year of death (secular calendar)
5. Hebrew date of death
6. Optional dedication phrase

A typical plaque might read:

SARAH RIVKA GOLDSTEIN
שרה רבקה בת אברהם
1924 — 2003
כ״ג תשרי תשס״ד

Hebrew Names: Format and Transliteration

The Traditional Formula

Hebrew memorial inscriptions traditionally use the patronymic form: [Hebrew name] ben [father's name] for men, and [Hebrew name] bat [father's name] for women. Ben (בן) means "son of"; bat (בת) means "daughter of."

Examples:

• יוסף בן דוד — Yosef ben David (Joseph son of David)
• מרים בת יצחק — Miriam bat Yitzchak (Miriam daughter of Isaac)

In some communities, especially among Sephardic Jews, the mother's name is also included: [name] ben [father] v'[mother].

What If the Hebrew Name Is Unknown?

For Jews who did not have a Hebrew name or whose Hebrew name is unknown, it is acceptable to use a Hebrew transliteration of the English name. The rabbi should be consulted in ambiguous cases.

Common Hebrew Names and Their Spellings

When providing Hebrew names to an engraver, always supply the exact Hebrew text — do not ask the engraver to transliterate from English. A name like "Morris" might correspond to Moshe (משה), Mordechai (מרדכי), or Meir (מאיר) — only the family knows which.

Dates: Secular and Hebrew Calendar

The Secular Date of Death

Most plaques include the year of death (and often birth) in the secular calendar. This helps family members quickly identify plaques and gives context to visitors unfamiliar with the Hebrew calendar.

The Hebrew Date

The Hebrew date of death is the date used for Yahrzeit observance and is therefore essential. It consists of the day of the month and the month name — the year is optional but can be included.

Hebrew dates are written using the traditional system of letter-numbers (גימטריה). For example:

• כ״ג תשרי — the 23rd of Tishrei
• ז׳ אדר — the 7th of Adar
• י״ד ניסן — the 14th of Nisan

There are reliable online converters to find the Hebrew equivalent of any secular date. Always double-check the conversion — errors in the Yahrzeit date will affect how the light is illuminated for decades.

What About Adar in Leap Years?

The Hebrew calendar adds a second month of Adar (Adar II) in leap years — 7 out of every 19 years. If a person died in Adar during a leap year, the plaque should specify Adar I or Adar II (אדר א׳ or אדר ב׳). The rabbi should advise on how Yahrzeit is observed in non-leap years.

Optional Elements

Dedication Phrases

Many plaques include a brief dedication phrase. Common options in English include: "In loving memory," "Forever in our hearts," "May his memory be a blessing." In Hebrew, the most common phrase is ז״ל (zayin lamed) — an abbreviation of zichrono/zichronah livracha, meaning "may his/her memory be a blessing."

Titles

Rabbis are typically indicated with the title "Rabbi" in English and הרב (HaRav) in Hebrew. Other honorifics (Dr., Cantor, etc.) may be included at the family's discretion.

Relationship Indicators

Some families add a brief relationship note: "Beloved husband, father, and grandfather." This personalizes the plaque but requires adequate space — consult with your supplier about maximum character counts.

Design Principles for Bilingual Plaques

Layout: English and Hebrew Together

The most common layout places the English name at the top, the Hebrew name below (right-to-left), and the dates beneath. This creates a natural visual hierarchy while respecting the directionality of both languages.

Font Choice

For Hebrew text on metal plaques, use a clear, traditional font — Rashi script or block Hebrew. Avoid decorative or calligraphic fonts that sacrifice legibility. For English, a classic serif font (similar to Times New Roman or Garamond) complements the Hebrew and maintains the memorial's dignified character.

Size and Spacing

Standard plaques measure approximately 3" x 5" or 4" x 6". The Hebrew name should be sized to match the visual weight of the English name — not smaller. Adequate line spacing prevents crowding and makes the plaque easier to read from a distance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Reversed Hebrew: Hebrew reads right-to-left. Always verify the text direction is correct in any proof
• Wrong Hebrew date: Always convert the secular date using a reliable calendar tool and have the rabbi verify
• Incorrect Hebrew name: Always get the exact Hebrew spelling from the family — never guess or transliterate
• Adar confusion in leap years: Specify Adar I or Adar II if applicable
• Missing ז״ל or equivalent: Most families expect some form of dedication phrase — confirm preferences with the family
• Approving proofs without rabbi review: All Hebrew text should be checked by someone fluent in Hebrew before engraving

"A name inscribed incorrectly is worse than a name not inscribed at all. The plaque is a permanent record — it must be right."

The Process: From Family to Plaque

The smoothest plaque ordering processes follow this workflow:

1. Family submits a written request form with: English name, Hebrew name (in Hebrew characters), date of death (secular), Hebrew date of death, and any additional text
2. Office staff enter the information and cross-check the Hebrew date conversion
3. Rabbi reviews all Hebrew text for accuracy
4. A proof is generated and sent to the family for approval
5. Family confirms in writing
6. Plaque is ordered from the supplier
7. Upon delivery, a staff member checks the plaque against the approved proof before installation

This workflow adds time — typically two to four weeks from request to installation — but prevents the far greater problem of a permanently incorrect plaque.

The names on a memorial board are among the most important words in any synagogue. They deserve the care of a scribe, the precision of a scholar, and the love of a community that refuses to forget.