How to Choose a Memorial Board
for Your Synagogue

A synagogue memorial board is one of the most enduring purchases a congregation will make. Installed correctly, it will serve the community for decades — a sacred wall of names that connects the living to those who came before. Chosen poorly, it can become a source of ongoing frustration: lights that fail, plaques that don't fit, or a board that simply doesn't match the dignity of the sanctuary.

This guide walks through everything you need to consider before purchasing a memorial board for your synagogue.

What Is a Synagogue Memorial Board?

A synagogue memorial board — sometimes called a Yahrzeit board or Yahrzeit tablet — is a wall-mounted display featuring individual plaques for deceased members of the congregation. Each plaque bears the person's name (in English and usually Hebrew), their date of passing according to the Hebrew calendar, and typically a small electric light.

On the Yahrzeit anniversary — the date of death according to the Hebrew calendar — the light next to that person's plaque is illuminated. Many synagogues also light all plaques during the four Yizkor services throughout the year: Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, Passover, and Shavuot.

The memorial board is both a practical tool (helping the synagogue track and observe Yahrzeits) and a profound spiritual one — a visible, permanent reminder that these souls are remembered.

Step 1: Determine the Right Size

The first question is capacity: how many plaques do you need now, and how many will you need in ten or twenty years?

A small congregation of 50–100 families might begin with a board holding 50–80 plaques. A mid-sized congregation of 300–500 families will likely need 200–400 plaques, potentially spread across multiple boards. A large urban synagogue may need 500 or more.

The key principle is to plan for growth. Most quality memorial boards are modular — meaning you can add plaques over time without replacing the entire board. Confirm this with your supplier before purchasing.

• Small congregations (under 100 families): 50–100 plaque capacity
• Mid-size congregations (100–400 families): 150–400 plaque capacity
• Large congregations (400+ families): 400–800+ plaque capacity, often across multiple boards

Measure the wall space available in your sanctuary carefully. A board that's too large can overwhelm the room; too small and it will need replacing sooner than expected.

Step 2: Choose the Right Material

Memorial boards are available in several materials, each with different aesthetics, costs, and durability profiles.

Wood Frames (Oak, Walnut, Mahogany)

Warm, traditional, and timeless. Solid hardwood frames complement most synagogue interiors and age beautifully. They are the most common choice for traditional Ashkenazi and Sephardic congregations. Walnut and mahogany project the most gravitas; oak is slightly lighter in tone.

Bronze

Classic bronze plaques on a dark background are among the most prestigious options. They require virtually no maintenance, resist tarnishing, and carry a weight — both literal and symbolic — that few other materials match. They tend to be more expensive but last generations.

Aluminum Plaques on Wood or Metal Backing

A popular modern option combining durability with affordability. Individual aluminum plaques can be anodized in gold, silver, or black, engraved with precision, and mounted on wood or aluminum backing boards. These offer excellent value without sacrificing appearance.

Acrylic / Perspex

Modern congregations sometimes opt for acrylic-based boards, which allow backlighting effects and a contemporary aesthetic. These work well in newly designed sanctuaries but may feel out of place in traditional interiors.

Step 3: Lighting System

Every plaque on a memorial board has a small light — traditionally a small incandescent bulb, increasingly an LED. The lighting system is critical: it must be reliable enough to illuminate correctly on every Yahrzeit date for decades.

Manual Systems

In smaller congregations, the shamash or administrator manually switches on lights for upcoming Yahrzeits based on a calendar. This is simple and requires no automated hardware, but depends entirely on human diligence.

Timed / Automated Systems

Larger congregations often invest in computerized systems that automatically illuminate the correct lights based on the Hebrew calendar. These eliminate human error and are worth the investment for boards with more than 200 plaques.

LED vs. Incandescent

LED systems are now the standard recommendation. They consume a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs, last tens of thousands of hours, and produce virtually no heat — reducing fire risk and maintenance costs over the long term.

Step 4: Engraving — Hebrew, English, and Dates

The inscription on each plaque is the heart of the memorial board. Standard practice is to include:

• The person's full English name
• Hebrew name (typically: [name] ben/bat [father's name])
• Year of birth and year of death (secular calendar)
• Hebrew date of death (day and month, e.g., י״ד תשרי)

Make sure your supplier can engrave Hebrew accurately. This sounds obvious, but many general engraving companies produce poor Hebrew — reversed characters, incorrect vowel marks, or improper right-to-left layout. Always request a proof before approving.

"The names on the board are sacred. They deserve the same care as a Torah scroll — every letter correct, every space intentional."

Step 5: Budget Planning

Memorial board pricing varies significantly based on size, materials, and lighting complexity. As a general reference:

• Small boards (50–100 plaques): $2,000–$6,000
• Medium boards (100–300 plaques): $5,000–$15,000
• Large boards (300–600 plaques): $12,000–$30,000+
• Individual plaques added over time: $150–$400 each

Many congregations fund the initial board through a capital campaign or dedicated memorial fund. Individual plaques are then purchased by families as needed — often making the board self-funding over time.

Step 6: Finding a Reputable Supplier

Given the significance of the purchase, it is worth taking time to find a supplier with deep experience in Jewish memorial boards specifically — not simply a generic sign company.

Key questions to ask any supplier:

1. Do you have experience specifically with synagogue memorial boards?
2. Can you provide references from other congregations?
3. Is the board modular — can plaques be added later?
4. What is the warranty on the board structure and lighting system?
5. Do you handle Hebrew engraving in-house?
6. What is the lead time from order to installation?

Final Checklist Before You Buy

• ✦ Measured your available wall space accurately
• ✦ Estimated current and 20-year plaque capacity needed
• ✦ Decided on material (wood/bronze/aluminum)
• ✦ Confirmed board is modular and expandable
• ✦ Verified Hebrew engraving capability
• ✦ Chosen lighting system (manual vs. automated, LED)
• ✦ Requested itemized quote and visual proof
• ✦ Confirmed warranty and after-sales support
• ✦ Planned funding mechanism (campaign, donations)

A well-chosen memorial board is an investment that serves a congregation for generations. Take the time to choose thoughtfully — the names it will carry deserve nothing less.