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Conservative Judaism/Tradition of putting stones on graves

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Expert: - 4/1/2011


Question
I know there are many reasons (have read them) of putting stones on graves or on the headstones.  I was told that this too represents a hope of a time when the temple will be rebuilt.  Can you tell me if you have ever heard that before?  Do you believe that might be true?

Answer
Dear Clark,

Thanks for writing.

No, I had not heard this notion that the putting of stones-on-stones would fore-shadow the rebuilding of the 3rd Temple in Jerusalem.

I could also understand those who believe that there is a relationship between the rebuilding of the Temple, the arrival of the messianic age and the hope for resurrection of the dead. There is such a belief for those who choose it although it is not the only choice.

The answer to your final question is ultimately not what I believe but what you believe!

At the least, I would certainly be willing to ascribe to the hope that a messianic age could be created if each of us participated with our own efforts, parallel to the effort to place a visitor's stone on the headstones of our loved ones.

Best wishes and thanks

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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