עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is it Permissible to Visit Graves in the Month of Elul?
Question
Hello,
I have several questions regarding visiting graves:
1. Is it permissible to visit graves in the month of Elul?
2. Is it permissible to visit graves on Fridays?
3. How should one wash their hands before entering the cemetery? (Is it a regular washing like before eating bread?)
4. In which months and on which days is it forbidden to visit graves?
Thank you very much in advance.
Answer
Hello,
1. It is permissible.
2. It is permissible - even after midday (Netei Gabriel On Mourning, Part II, Chapter 22, Section 11).
3. According to the letter of the law, it is sufficient to wash one’s hands once without a vessel. However, one who is stringent and washes three times with a vessel will be blessed.
4. It is prohibited to visit graves on Shabbat and Yom Tov.
Also, on Rosh Chodesh (the New Month) there is no significance in visiting graves since the soul ascends to Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden) and does not remain at the grave (Shaar HaYichudim, page 5).
During Chol HaMoed, it is customary not to visit graves except for the graves of righteous individuals.
Same applies to the month of Nisan.
Wishing you good tidings,
Hillel Meirs
