ViewMate - Image Archive, Image 115275 - Translation - Tombstone - USA - Chicago


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Information

Picture

Question

Category: Translation - Tombstone
Approval Date: 9/2/2026 7:05 PM
Family Surname: Garfinkel
Country: USA
Town: Chicago

Click the picture to enlarge

I would like to know the full name of Abraham; I cannot quite figure out what his middle name is.
I believe his English name was Abraham Zavel which is almost, but not quite, how I am reading this middle name. Thank you in advance for any suggestions. Barb London

Response

9/2/2026 9:23 PM

Hello Barbara,

Right side: Mr. Abraham Garfinkel
The translation for this tombstone is as follows:

"Here lies Reb Abrohom Zanvil, Ben Reb/(Son of Reb) Binyamin David, who died on the 29th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan (followed by the Hebrew year). May his soul be bound up in the bonds of life."

**The word Reb is used as a title of honor preceding the given name of a Jewish man. It does NOT imply rabbi.

Jo

9/3/2026 6:50 PM

I agree that the name is Zanvil. It is a Yiddish name, and supposedly is a nickname related to the Hebrew name Shmuel (Samuel).

9/3/2026 6:54 PM

Hi Barbara,
Abraham's middle name is Zanvil
in Hebrew זאנוויל, a traditional Yiddish pet name for Samuel (Shmuel).
Hope this helps.
Yaron

ViewMate Posting VM 115275

Submitted by Barbara Snider

Learn more about our organizational leadership, mission, and values. There are numerous opportunities to get involved yourself!

Search millions of records from around the globe, including more than 4 million records related to the Holocaust, and more than 4.2 million burial records. Records are continually added each month - check back often for new information!

Discover your ancestral town, explore geographic/regional based sections of the JewishGen site (Research Divisions), and explore what daily life was like for your ancestors - and what we can learn from them today.

Enhance your research with online classes and dozens of helpful articles. University students can apply for the Bennett & Robin Greenspan L'dor V'dor Legacy Program, and those "out of school" can help preserve Jewish Heritage in Poland with unique study & volunteer experiences.

Connect with tens of thousands of other JewishGen members via the Family Finder, Discussion Group, Facebook Group, and ViewMate. It's a great way to share success, ask questions, and stay informed of the happenings throughout the Jewish genealogical community.

The JewishGen site is offered as a free public resource. However, it costs a lot of money to maintain and expand our services. If you are in a position to do so, please consider a contribution today - your support will make a difference!

ViewMate Posting VM 115275

Submitted by Barbara Snider