Why do jewish people put rocks on gravestones?

Question

I always see rocks on jewish gravestones. whats the purpose for that.

Answer 1

In the final analysis it is a sign of respect. Take your pick from the following interpretations.

--To tell visitors that follow that others have visited the grave.
--When the tradition started, grave monuments were mounds of stones. Visitors added stones to "the mound" to show we are never finished building the monument to the deceased.
--Jews don't typically place flowers on graves to show that someone visited. The stones are an ancient tradition that serves a similar role as flowers on Christian graves.
--If you're in the desert as the ancient Jews were, there's not much around except sand and stones. Thus, the tradition.
--Jews are taught that it is an act of ultimate kindness and respect to bury someone and place a marker at the site. After a person is buried, of course, we can no longer participate in burying them. However we can participate in the mitzvah of making a marker at a grave, by adding to the stone. Therefore, customarily, we place stones on top of a gravestone whenever we visit to indicate our participation in the mitzvah of symbollically erecting a tombstone.

Answer 2

This became right into a custom uncomplicated to many cultures in the classic era (no longer in straightforward terms between Jewish human beings) The custom arose to maintain animals or others from irritating the grave, and to maintain spirits from escaping the grave.

Answer 3

It's a symbol. Says "we came to visit you". I think it comes from the act of burial. If you go to a Jewish funeral, you will see that everybody helps with the burial, even if it's just throwing a handful of earth on the grave.

Answer 4

It is a way to console the grieving family who will visit later. It's also a mitzvah (blessing) for someone passing by to put one on the grave.

Answer 5

People who visit the tombstone leave a pebble out of respect and remembrance. One could argue that it is more environmentally friendly and lasts longer than to leave flowers.

Answer 6

not solely a Jewish tradition, some Christian do it too

Answer 7

I didn't know why either, so thanks for asking this question so I could read the answers. I like the one about it being a mitzvah.

Answer 8

to make a mark that they been there at the grave

Answer 9

I didn't know they did this. I learn something new everyday. Thank you.

Answer 10

make sure they never come out again.