[Page 408]

In the rubric pictured under this title is a classic version of the prayer 'El Moleh Rakhamim' that is used to invoke the blessings of the Almighty on the deceased. It is also recited at those times when people make visits to the cemetery to pay homage to members of a family on the occasion of a Yahrzeit. It is also an honor extended to friends, family, and distinguished members of a community at such a time, especially if they were victims of the Holocaust.

 

They are often slightly customized, but the message is the same. I call your attention to the third line which calls out the names of the cities and towns of:

Sokal, Tartakov, Varenzh, and Stoyanov

At the far-left end of that third arc is a characterization of the deceased in the most noble and tender terms. It says:

All are sanctified (as martyrs), Pure, among whom are to be found The Very Righteous (Tzaddikim) and Cedars of Lebanon (A metaphor for a giant among the people).

[Page 409]

[Pages 410-432]

Translator's Note:

The order in which these names appear has been made to conform to English alphabetization, and therefore does not follow the same order as they appear in the original Yiddish text. To assist the interested reader, each entry has been given a serial number corresponding to its place in the original Necrology in Yiddish, found on pp.519–559.

This Necrology contains many instances of names that appear to be duplicates. However, without the intimate knowledge of this community, it would be presumptuous for an uninformed third party to suggest that such duplications constitute errors. Accordingly, special care has been taken to ensure that all the entries in the original document were carried over into the translated version. Additionally, special care was taken to preserve 'nicknames' or 'names of endearment' that were used to help better identify individuals in that community. While such nomenclature may not serve future generations in quite the same way, it is undoubtedly a sacred obligation to ensure that they are brought forward for posterity, as they were used during their lifetimes.