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Name on Grave - Hebrew Name Unknown 

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Question

I want to order a memorial stone for my brother Julian who died. No one recalls his Hebrew name. Can I select a Hebrew name for him?

Answer

If no one can provide a Hebrew name, and it is possible that none was ever given him, I would suggest one of two approaches:

(1) Select a name based on his first letter J. J is equal to Yud in Hebrew. A name like Yonatan (Jonathan) could work.

(2) Select the Hebrew name of a family member who is deceased and had similar name to your brother.

Alternatively, you can always inscribe the stone only with his English name and dates of his life.

Best Wishes,

Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner
Foundation for Family Education (FFFE)

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