AboutRabbi Sue Levy Expertise I will be happy to answer questions about Jewish customs and beliefs relating to death and mourning and how these are observed by the different movements in the Jewish community. I can discuss the content of the Jewish funeral service as well as options from which you may choose. I can also suggest some important questions which one may want to ask a rabbi or funeral director when planning a funeral service.
Experience I have been a rabbi for twenty-two years and have served congregations in the Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist movements. I taught an undergraduate course in Death and Dying at Temple University in Philadelphia and have taught classes in Jewish mourning customs in numerous locations. I am also a widow. My experience as a mourner enabled me to see, in a very practical way, which of the traditions, "worked" for me and which did not. One of the most important things I learned is that, even for Jews who do not accept the authority of Jewish law, many of the traditional practices have enormous psychological wisdom. I can offer both an educated an sympathetic ear.
Expert: Rabbi Sue Levy Date: 2/1/2008 Subject: Stones on markers
Question Is it OK for a non-Jew to leave a stone on the grave marker of a Jewish friend? I'm Roman Catholic and I want to honor my friend by participating in this beautiful custom.
Thank You.
Answer Dear Daniel,
Yes, it is perfectly OK, and it is a lovely gesture on your part. It has become a custom to show that people have visited the grave by leaving a stone as a token of remembrance. Thank you so much for asking. Please feel free to write again if you have additional questions.
