עברית
Holidays
Is it permitted to visit the graves of the righteous during Chol Hamoed?
Question
Greetings, esteemed rabbi. During Chol Hamoed, I will be in Tiberias. Am I allowed to visit the grave of Rabbi Meir Ba'al Hanes and the grave of the Rambam? I await your response. Thank you, goodbye.
Answer
Greetings,
It is permitted.
Sources: Although it is generally prohibited to go to cemeteries during Chol Hamoed, since these are also festival days, as stated in the book Geshar Hayyim, Part 1 (Chapter 29, Section 5). However, in cases of necessity, such as to pray for a sick person, it is allowed to go - see the Chassidic Rebbe of Monkasz zt"l in his book Divrei Torah, old edition, Section 65. Also see in the Responsa Be'er Sharim, Part 4, Section 8, Paragraph 7).
However, it is permissible to visit the graves of the righteous even during Chol Hamoed, as stated in the book Yalkut Yosef, Aveilut (Section M, Paragraph 25).
With blessings,
Hillel Meirs
