Anyone know why in Jewish cemeteries the headstones are only inches apart?

Question

This is a serious question. I researched it a bit and i can't find the answer and i am rather curious about it. Only sincere answers are appreciated. Thanks, and have a nice day.

Answer 1

My research of Jewish cemeteries does not share this trait. I have found the graves to be placed similarly to other cemeteries. Perhaps the one you refer to has a shortage of space and they crammed in as many as they could. Find below further details.

Jewish Cemeteries:


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Death means the separation of the body from the soul.
The washing of the corpse, the clothing in a plain shroud, the lying out, and the burial are generally undertaken by the burial fraternity (Chevra Kadisha) which exists in nearly all parishes. The relatives of the deceased are dispensed of all religious duties until the burial.
The burial usually takes place on the day after the death but not on a Sabbath or any of the other Jewish holy days. Cremation in only permitted in Reform Judaism. Those present at the burial throw three shovels of sand onto the coffin. The Kaddish which praises the name of God is the most important prayer on this occasion. The first phase of the period of mourning lasts seven days during which the mourners stay at home and do not work (Shivah). The second, less intensive period of mourning (Sh(e)loshim) lasts 30 days. When one of the parents dies this is followed by a year of mourning.
On the first anniversary of the death (Season) the gravestone is placed in the cemetery. During each of the following "commemorative dates" a candle is lit in memory of the deceased and a fast is observed. In the cemetery, in Hebrew called the "House of Eternity" and the "House of Life", the dead are to have eternal rest. The cemetery must never be dissolved. The Sephardic Jews preferred gravestones lying flat on the ground with rich ornamentation whereas Ashkenazi Jews usually placed them standing upright.
It is a custom to deposit a small stone when visiting a grave.

Answer 2

I wonder about that too. I don't live far from a Jewish cemetery and always wanted to know.

I do want to know is why put rocks instead of flowers on the headstone though.

Answer 3

Land isn't cheap! As far as rocks instead of flowers on headstone, that is because rocks last much longer... you don't have to spend money to replace them!

Answer 4

probably because they more dead bodies they can fit on their chunk of land, the more money they make from charging the families to bury there!

You know what they say about Jews and their money, this is the only logical explanation.

Answer 5

that is easy the Jewish have large families so when they die they need to be as close as possible to one another.

Answer 6

6 million dead jews in ww2. they ran out of places i guess

Answer 7

Good question! I would like to know also.

(hugs)
dbd

Answer 8

space is limited