If you’ve ever visited a Jewish cemetery, you may have seen the word “endowed” on some of the headstones. It might make you wonder: What does this word mean, and why is it there? This article will explain it in a simple way, using real-life examples, facts, and a warm, humane tone to help you understand.
What Does “Endowed” Mean?
The word endowed (often written as “perpetual care endowed”) means that someone has given money to take care of the grave forever. This money goes into a special fund, and the interest from that fund is used to keep the area clean, mow the grass, fix stones, and do other work to care for the burial site.
In simpler terms, it means that the family paid extra so the grave will always be looked after, even when no one from the family is around anymore.
Why Is It Important?
Jewish traditions teach respect for the dead, called “kavod ha-met.” That means people should honor those who have passed away, and part of that includes keeping their resting place tidy and peaceful.
By endowing a grave, families help the cemetery make sure their loved one’s kever (grave) is taken care of in the long term. It’s not just a one-time clean-up — it lasts forever.
Real-Life Examples
-
Mr. Levin’s Family – When Mr. Levin passed away, his children endowed his grave. Twenty years later, even though his children moved to another city, the grave is still clean, with flowers planted each spring.
-
Temple Beth Shalom Cemetery – This cemetery has many headstones that say “endowed.” They use a part of the funds for irrigation and fence repairs, making the cemetery safer for visitors.
-
Sarah Cohen’s Tombstone – Sarah passed in 1953. Her family’s endowment helped install a bench nearby. Today, people still sit there to remember their own loved ones.
Some Quick Facts
-
Endowment money usually goes into a nonprofit account.
-
The interest from the fund is used yearly.
-
Some headstones might say “perpetual care” instead of “endowed.”
-
Cemeteries keep records of who endowed each grave.