Conservative Judaism/Grave metal boxes

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Expert: - 8/29/2007


Question
We were at the cemetery where I saw metal boxes on several graves that appear like mail boxes. These were on graves that were probably of Orthodox men as they were marked only in hebrew and separated by cohen, levi.

What are the boxes for?

Thank you for your help.

Answer
Dear Michael,

Thanks for writing.

I've consulted with colleagues, most of whom have not reported seeing such metl boxes. No one could explain the custom.

One suggestion seemed very insightful: it was there in metal to be fire-proof and  it could contain a candle.

In my own opinion, while one could light a candle based on the Rabbinic dictum that the "soul is the light or lamp of the Lord." Perhaps people would light a candle whenever they visited the grave, similar to placing a small stone on the grave headstone.

The most probable explanation thus far to me would be a holder for a yahrzeit or anniversary light.

Best wishes, and if I hear from colleagues with further ideas, I'll write again.

Rabbi Dov

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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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