Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

Auspicious times of visiting a cemetery during the year:[1] It is an auspicious time to visit the gravesite of Tzaddikim on Erev Rosh Hashana, Erev Rosh Chodesh and on the 15th of the month. These are the main times that one is to visit the tomb of Tzaddikim.   Times […]

Encircling the grave:[1] Many have the custom of encircling the grave.[2] The Rebbe would circle the grave one time prior to leaving.   Taking off the shoes: As a sign of respect it is accustomed to remove the shoes prior to entering into the Rebbe’s Ohel.   Placing a hand […]

Covering the Tzitzis:[1] One may not enter a cemetery with Tzitzis that are revealed to the open.[2] This applies both to a Tallis Gadol and a Tallis Katan.[3] If however the Tzitzis are covered and are hence not apparent at all then doing so is permitted. [Thus one is to […]

How to pray by the gravesite: At the grave of a Tzaddik one is to pray to Hashem to answer his prayers in the merit of the Tzaddikim.[1] Likewise one may ask the Tzaddik to intervene on one’s behalf and pray to G-d for the matters which he needs.[2] Some […]

Giving charity:[1] One is to distribute charity at the gravesite [prior to Davening there[2]]. [1] Rama ibid; Igros Kodesh 24/363 [2] Rashal; Shlah 213; Mateh Moshe 789; Kneses Hagedola 581/10; M”A 581/17; Elya Raba 581/39; M”B 581/27; Kaf Hachaim 581/97 Bookmark

Saying the blessing of Yatzar Eschem Badin:[1] One who is has not visited a cemetery [in thirty days] is to recite the following blessing upon seeing it. ברוך אתה יי אלקינו מלך העולם אשר יצר אתכם בדין וזן אתכם בדין וכלכל אתכם בדין והמית אתכם בדין ויודע מספר כלכם והוא […]

Immersing in a Mikveh:[1] One who is impure due to nocturnal emission [Keri], or any release of seed, may not visit a cemetery until he immerses in a Mikveh.[2] [Many are particular to never visit a cemetery prior to immersing in a Mikveh even if they are not impure due […]

Eating and drinking prior to the visit:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule one is not to eat or drink anything prior to visiting the gravesite of a Tzadik or of a relative. [Thus, starting from Alos of that day, until after the visitation, one is to fast.] Others[3] rule one is to […]

Visiting the gravesite of Tzaddikim on Erev Rosh Hashanah:[1] It is customary of some communities to visit the gravesite [of a Tzaddik[2]] on Erev Rosh Hashanah [after Shacharis[3]] and increase in supplication while there.[4] [The Chabad custom is to visit the gravesite of the Rabbeim on Erev Rosh Hashanah.[5] Those […]