Faith
Is It Permissible to Eat in a Cemetery?
Question
Hello and blessings, we have a memorial for my late father. Since some of us are coming from out of town, we are going up to the cemetery toward sunset, and we will have the meal after Arvit, which will already be the day after the passing. Is it permitted to eat in the cemetery (not next to the grave) and recite blessings?
Thank you very much
Answer
Hello,
It is forbidden to eat and drink anywhere within the area set aside for the cemetery. However, it is permitted to eat in the courtyard adjacent to the cemetery, especially when it is only an informal meal.
Sources: The Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah (siman 368, seif 1), writes that one does not show levity in a cemetery, and the Rema explains this to include, for example, relieving oneself there or eating and drinking there. In Pischei Teshuvah (sk. 1), he cites a responsum of the Chasam Sofer (siman 335), that this means that even if it is not on top of a grave, but in a place designated for the cemetery for public use, it is prohibited with the sanctity of a synagogue. See there for more. See also Chazon Ovadia, Avelut, part 1 (pp. 434-435), that it is permitted to eat in the area near the cemetery, especially when all of their eating is only an informal meal.
Bsorot Tovot,
Hillel Meirs
