Jewish Monuments

Quality Custom Headstones and Jewish Monuments in Calgary

Somerville Memorials Ltd is the only Jewish memorialist in the City of Calgary. We read and speak Hebrew and understand Jewish customs and traditions.

We have experience assisting you with selecting and designing the appropriate headstones and Jewish monuments in Calgary that uniquely reflect the Jewish faith and traditional customs. Since Jewish cemeteries often have specific requirements about the type of monuments allowed within their gates, our staff is well-trained and has kept abreast of guidelines, including monument colours, shapes, and sizes, to advise you better in your selection. Please speak to us if you want to know more about custom headstones in Calgary.

Are you interested in other types of gravestones? Browse through our upright, flat, or Chinese monuments today. Contact us today for more information on Jewish monuments in Calgary.

Timeframe and Costs

We understand the value and emotions associated with the headstone and believe in delivering quality service. It generally takes around 8-16 weeks to complete a customized headstone, though depending on your requirements, we can work with you on the timeline.

The cost of a headstone varies according to how you customize it: size, type, material, and more. Learn about the factors that affect the cost to prepare you for what to expect.

Common Hebrew Inscriptions

Many Jewish headstones in Calgary include Hebrew names, letters and symbols. You can plan your Jewish monument inscriptions and traditional monument unveiling ceremonies with our professional assistance. Here are some examples of popular Hebrew lettering used:

⦿ Here lies: A popular Hebrew phrase inscribed on monuments is "Here Lies." This phrase marks a beginning on the headstone in honour of the deceased soul.

⦿ Hebrew name: In many Jewish households, giving a Hebrew name to the newborn child is a prominent part of Judaism and is commonly found on Jewish headstones. The Hebrew name is inscribed underneath the "Here Lies" phrase on the headstone. In some cases, both Hebrew and Western names are inscribed.

⦿ Hebrew names of parents: Many Jewish families choose to include the names of the deceased's parents as a token of respect for their ancestors. The inscription may be read out as "בן," which translates to "son of," or "בת," which translates to "daughter of," which is further followed by the parents' name. The position of the parents' name is below the Hebrew name of the deceased.

⦿ The date of death according to the Hebrew calendar: Jewish monuments also inscribe the birth and death dates of the deceased. Some Jewish families inscribe the dates according to the Hebrew calendar, which runs many years back, compared to the Gregorian (Western) calendar. For example, 2020 would be 5780. You can learn more, as our team of artisans is experienced in inscriptions according to the Hebrew calendar.

⦿ Hebrew epitaph: Hebrew epitaphs are inscribed at the bottom of headstones. These epitaphs can be verses from scripture, famous quotes, or sayings. Our designers can also include Jewish symbols like menorahs, candlesticks, lions, and the Star of David, which symbolize divine protection.

For more information about our monument capabilities, please contact us today. We would happily assist in your design process for Jewish headstones in Calgary.

Choose a Monument

At Somerville Memorials Ltd, we offer Jewish monuments in various colours, shapes, and sizes to accommodate individual preferences and cemetery regulations. Before choosing a monument, you should consider the following:

⦿ Colours
Granite monuments are available in shades like black, grey, red, and blue. Black granite is typical for its striking contrast with engraved inscriptions, while grey provides a classic and traditional appearance. Red and blue granite offer subtle variations that some families prefer for a distinctive look. Each colour is carefully selected to maintain a dignified and respectful presentation.

⦿ Shapes
Traditional Jewish monuments are often upright and rectangular, symbolizing strength and permanence. However, we also provide other shapes, including slant markers, bevel markers, and custom designs based on specific requests. Our team ensures that each monument aligns with cemetery guidelines while meeting family preferences.

⦿ Sizes
The size of a monument varies based on cemetery regulations and personal choices. We offer single, companion, and family monuments, ensuring that every memorial is appropriately proportioned. More significant monuments can accommodate detailed inscriptions, while smaller markers provide a more straightforward tribute.

Why Choose Us?

At Somerville Memorials Ltd, we strive to provide high-quality Jewish monuments in Calgary with a commitment to tradition, craftsmanship, and professionalism. Our team understands Jewish memorials' cultural and religious significance and ensures that each monument aligns with the appropriate customs and values.

⦿ Skilled craft
Our skilled artisans use precise engraving techniques to create clear and lasting inscriptions in both English and Hebrew. We ensure that religious symbols, such as the Star of David or menorahs, are accurately represented with careful attention to detail.

⦿ Quality materials

We use durable granite in various colours and finishes to create lasting tributes. Each monument is crafted to withstand environmental elements, ensuring its integrity for generations.

⦿ Custom design assistance

Our team works closely with families to design a monument that reflects their loved one's memories and legacy. We guide you in selecting inscriptions, shapes, and sizes while adhering to cemetery regulations.

⦿ Commitment to service

We aim to support families with professionalism and sensitivity throughout the process. From initial consultation to final installation, our team is dedicated to providing respectful and reliable service.

Somerville Memorials Ltd is committed to honouring traditions with thoughtfully crafted Jewish monuments in Calgary. Call us today.

FAQs About Our Headstones in Calgary

The following are some frequently asked questions about our headstones in Alberta:

Somerville Memorials is the ONLY JEWISH memorialist in Calgary. We can read and write Hebrew. We understand Jewish customs and traditions because we are Jewish.

We have over 25 years of experience and can assist you in selecting and designing an appropriate Jewish monument that will reflect your family’s wishes as well as Jewish tradition.

Jewish cemeteries have specific requirements when it comes to sizes, shapes and wording that is allowed on monuments that can be installed within their gates. We are aware of these requirements and can guide you through the selection process accordingly.

Sometimes families suffer and are not able to pay for a suitable headstone for their loved one. We recognize and understand that it is of utmost importance to most families and according to Jewish tradition to mark the gravesite within a reasonable period of time after passing.

When required we will always select a payment plan to assist a family in need. We will never delay installation of a monument because the family has not totally paid for the monument.

There are many reasons to Choose Somerville Memorials to design and supply a Jewish Headstone for your loved one:

* WE ARE TRULY CALGARY’S ONLY JEWISH MONUMENT SUPPLIER. WE ARE JEWISH!

* WE have been operating since 1903

* We offer many options for customization and design to meet any requirement.

* We adhere to the highest standards of materials and business ethics.

* We understand the grieving process and do our best to make your choices as easy as possible.

Please contact us if you'd like to know more. We also provide flat monuments.

Get in Touch

At Somerville Memorials Ltd, we have provided Jewish headstones and other monuments in Calgary for many years. We respect your wishes and design monuments that best reflect them. We stress personalizing the headstone as much as possible so that you can honour your loved one. Our team will design and manufacture your headstone and monument of choice with the utmost attention to detail. We know how to work with most materials to produce beautiful and durable headstones.

If you'd like to learn more about personalized headstones in Calgary, we invite you to speak to us. We are forthcoming with information and can accommodate your requests.

We serve all the Jewish Cemeteries in Calgary, 37th Street - Erlton - Beth Tzedec - Queens Park. Contact us today.