Installing a memorial board is one of the most meaningful capital projects a synagogue undertakes. Unlike a roof repair or a new HVAC system, a memorial board is a sacred object — it will hold the names of the congregation's deceased for generations. That significance deserves careful, thoughtful planning.
This guide walks through the entire process from inception to installation.
Phase 1: Assessment and Decision
Evaluate Your Current Situation
Before anything else, assess why you need a new board. Common scenarios include:
- The existing board is at capacity — no more plaque space
- The existing board has deteriorating lighting or structural issues
- The sanctuary has been renovated and the old board no longer fits aesthetically
- A new congregation is establishing itself and has no board yet
- A merger of two congregations requires a new unified board
Form a Memorial Board Committee
Assign a small committee of 3–5 people to oversee the project. This should include at least one member of the synagogue board, the rabbi or a representative, and ideally one congregant with project management experience. Give the committee a clear mandate, budget authority, and timeline.
Conduct a Community Needs Assessment
Survey the congregation to understand how many plaques are needed now, and project future growth. A useful formula: estimate the current adult membership, multiply by 0.6 (the approximate proportion who will eventually want a plaque), and add 30% for growth. This gives you a reasonable minimum capacity target.
Phase 2: Design and Specifications
Measure Your Space
Take precise measurements of the available wall area. Note ceiling height, any architectural features (windows, doors, lighting fixtures) that may affect placement, and the distance from which the board will typically be viewed. A board viewed from 30 feet away needs larger, bolder lettering than one in an intimate alcove.
Determine the Aesthetic
The memorial board should complement — ideally enhance — your sanctuary's character. Consider:
- Wood tone: dark walnut for traditional sanctuaries; lighter oak for modern spaces
- Plaque finish: gold lettering on dark background (classic), silver on lighter wood (contemporary)
- Frame style: ornate carved frames for traditional sanctuaries; clean modern frames for newer buildings
- Header design: many boards include a central header with the congregation's name, a Star of David, a menorah, or Hebrew text (often "In Loving Memory" / לזכר עולם)
Write a Detailed Specification Document
Before approaching any supplier, prepare a written specification that includes: wall dimensions, target plaque capacity, material preferences, lighting requirements, Hebrew/English engraving requirements, and budget range. This ensures you receive comparable quotes and protects you from scope creep.
Get a Custom Quote from Shtern Amber
Shtern Amber works directly with synagogue committees to design memorial boards that fit your space, your aesthetic, and your budget. Custom Hebrew engraving, modular plaque systems, and Yahrzeit lighting included.
Request a Quote →Phase 3: Fundraising
Structure Your Campaign
Memorial board fundraising works best when structured in layers:
- Board Sponsorship: One major donor sponsors the board itself (often named after a beloved figure)
- Plaque Dedications: Individual families purchase plaques for their loved ones
- General Fund Contribution: Smaller donations from the broader community fund remaining costs
Set a Plaque Donation Amount
Individual plaque donations typically range from $300 to $1,000 depending on the congregation's demographics. Consider offering tiered options: a standard plaque, an enhanced plaque with additional text, and a "founding plaque" category for early donors.
Communicate the Meaning
The most successful memorial board campaigns lead with meaning, not logistics. Your appeal letter should speak to the sacred significance of remembrance before discussing costs. Families who lost a loved one in the past several years are your most motivated potential donors — reach out personally first.
"The greatest gift you can give to the memory of someone you loved is to ensure they are never forgotten. A plaque on the memorial board is that promise, made permanent."
Phase 4: Procurement
Request Multiple Quotes
Obtain quotes from at least two to three suppliers with demonstrated synagogue experience. Ensure all quotes are based on the same specification document so they are directly comparable.
Review Design Proofs Carefully
Before approving any order, request a detailed design proof showing the board layout, sample plaque design, and Hebrew text rendering. Have the rabbi review all Hebrew text for accuracy. This is the moment to catch errors — not after fabrication.
Confirm the Contract Details
The contract should specify: exact dimensions, materials, plaque capacity, lighting specifications, delivery timeline, installation responsibility, warranty terms, and the process for ordering additional plaques in the future.
Phase 5: Installation
Prepare the Wall
Confirm that the wall can support the board's weight. Memorial boards can be heavy — a large 300-plaque board may weigh several hundred pounds. You may need to reinforce the wall or install mounting cleats. Consult a contractor if in doubt.
Coordinate Electrical Work
If the board uses electric Yahrzeit lights (as most do), a licensed electrician must run the appropriate wiring to the mounting location before installation. Plan this in advance — it should happen before the board arrives, not after.
Installation Day
Most quality memorial board suppliers will either install the board themselves or provide detailed installation instructions. Ensure the space is cleared and accessible. Plan for the installation to take at least a half-day for a large board.
Phase 6: The Unveiling Ceremony
The installation of a memorial board is a significant moment in the life of a congregation and deserves a meaningful ceremony. Consider organizing:
- A brief dedication service led by the rabbi
- Recitation of El Maleh Rachamim
- A moment of silence
- Recognition of major donors and the committee
- Lighting of the first plaques
- A reception for families of those whose names appear on the board
Sample Unveiling Service Outline
Opening words by the Rabbi · Reading of names from the board · El Maleh Rachamim · Kaddish · Remarks by Board President · Recognition of donors · Unveiling · Kiddush
Inviting the families of the newly memorialized to participate in the unveiling creates a profoundly moving experience that deepens the connection between the community and the board for years to come.
Phase 7: Ongoing Administration
Once the board is in place, establish clear ongoing procedures:
Plaque Ordering Process
Document exactly how new plaques are ordered: who in the office handles requests, what information families must provide, what the donation amount is, and what the lead time is from order to installation.
Yahrzeit Notification System
Maintain a calendar-based system (many synagogue management software packages include this) that automatically generates notifications to families before each Yahrzeit date. This is one of the most pastoral services a synagogue can offer.
Annual Maintenance
Schedule an annual inspection before the High Holidays — the busiest time for Yahrzeit and Yizkor observances. Test every light. Replace any burned-out bulbs. Clean the board. Check that all plaques are secure. This should take no more than a few hours and prevents the embarrassment of lights failing at the worst possible moment.
A well-maintained memorial board, cared for with the same reverence as a Torah scroll, will serve your congregation for generations — carrying the names of the departed into a future that has not yet been born.