What is the significance of placing stones on jewish graves

Its origins are rooted in ancient times and throughout the centuries the tradition of leaving a visitation stone has become part of the act of remembrance.

The origin of this custom began long ago, when the deceased was not placed in a casket, but rather the body was prepared, washed, and wrapped in a burial shroud, or for a male, in his tallis prayer shawl.

Then the body would be placed in the ground, covered with dirt and then large stones would be placed atop the gravesite, preventing wild animals from digging up the remains. JCAM provides for this custom on our cemeteries by filling receptacles with small stones for our visitors to leave, so you too, can continue on with this ancient custom of remembering.

About the Foundation. Cemetery Burial Records Search. Stones on Graves It is a Jewish custom for those mourning to to place a single stone on top of the grave of a friend or loved one. There are several possible explanations for this custom: Family Will Know Someone Visited Stones being placed on a grave lets the family know that someone cared enough to visit the grave.

Honor the Deceased The stones on a grave is a physical way to honor the deceased. Contact Us Today. Complete the contact form or call one of our locations. We are here to serve you. Contact Us. Services we offer. Pre-Planning Seminars. A beautiful answer takes it cue from the inscription on many gravestones. Yet tsror in Hebrew means a pebble. In ancient times, shepherds needed a system to keep track of their flocks. On some days, they would go out to pasture with a flock of 30; on others, a flock of Memory was an unreliable way of keeping tabs on the number of the flock.

That way he could at all times have an accurate daily count. There is something suiting the antiquity and solidity of Judaism in the symbol of a stone.

In moments when we are faced with the fragility of life, Judaism reminds us that there is permanence amidst the pain. While other things fade, stones and souls endure. Mourning Rituals. We use cookies to improve your experience on our site and bring you ads that might interest you. Join Our Newsletter Empower your Jewish discovery, daily. Sign Up. Discover More.