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Conservative Judaism/Headstone cloth prior to an unveiling

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Expert: - 4/16/2010


Question
Good day Rabbi

I stand in awe of the Jewish religion and see it as thee most sincere & revered practice. My question is concerning the cloth used to cover a headstone before an unveiling.  What is it called and where can one obtain it.

Thanks in advance

Answer
Dear Mabel,

Thank you for writing and your kind comments about the Jewish faith.

Customs vary as to the "exact cloth" used n covering the headstone, such that during a dedication ceremony it can then be removed to "unveil" the stone.

Here in the USA we generally use a piece of cheesecloth, a gauze-like material. But, any material may be used. Generally thereafter it is discarded - hopefully with some respect and appreciation.

Thus, any material can and does suffice. Contact a local Rabbi nearest to you for specifics about your community standard.

Best wishes

Rabbi Dov  

Conservative Judaism

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Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner

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Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history, philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.

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I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)

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