VILKAVISKIS
         
A small town in Southern Lithuania

Where the Jewish Community is no more
Vilkaviskis Jewish Grave motives
HANDS

The hands held in benediction are the symbol of the Cohens, members of the priestly family of the tribe of Levi. The rabbi devinely blesses the congregation with this posture of the hands. The status of priest is hereditary and carries numerous rights and responsibilities.
The BROKEN BRANCH

The broken branch represents a break in life, that is mortality. There is a suggestion that life was cut short
ANIMALS - The LION

Animals are often a reference to the name of the deceased. The lion corresponds with the name Ari, Leib, Löw (Loew), etc. The lion is also the symbol of the tribe of Judah.
THE STAR
In Hebrew, the hexagram symbol is known as the Magen David [Hebrew for the Shield of David] and it is the most common symbol on Jewish graves.
BOOKS
An open book indicates the presence of a rabbi, an officiating minister, or just a scholar