Visiting Graves in Elul, Erev Rosh Hashana and Erev Yom Kippur

In the weeks before Rosh Hashana, the cemeteries of Jerusalem fill with visitors. There is a long-standing custom, recorded in the Shulchan Aruch and its commentators, to visit the graves of parents and of tzaddikim during the month of Elul — and especially on Erev Rosh Hashana and Erev Yom Kippur. This practice is known as kever avot.

Why Visit Before the Yamim Noraim?

Elul is the month of teshuvah, when we prepare to stand in judgment. The commentators explain that a cemetery is a place where prayers are more readily received, because a person is moved to humility and to teshuvah there, and because the merit of the righteous buried there is invoked. Our prayers are directed only to Hashem; we ask that the merit of the departed stand for us, and we pray for their souls as well.

What Is Said

• The bracha on seeing graves, if thirty days have passed since the last visit (see grave visit customs)
• Chapters of Tehillim and Psalm 119 by the letters of the name (Tehillim by Name tool)
• Special prayers for Elul found in collections such as Ma’aneh Lashon
• Kaddish with a minyan, and El Malei Rachamim
• Personal prayers for the year ahead

Planning Around the Crowds

On the days right before Rosh Hashana, the roads to Har HaMenuchot and Har HaZeitim are often congested. Visiting earlier in Elul, or early in the morning, makes the visit calmer. If you are arranging a visit through us, let us know early so we can plan the route and timing for each family.

Families Abroad

For many families, Elul is when they feel most strongly the distance from the graves of their parents in Jerusalem. A minyan can go to the kever on your behalf during Elul or on Erev Rosh Hashana, say Tehillim, Kaddish and El Malei Rachamim with the names you send, and share photos and video with you on WhatsApp — so the visit is made even when you cannot travel.

Arrange a Minyan at the Grave

If you live abroad and cannot be in Jerusalem, our team of yeshiva students can be there for you: a full minyan at the grave, Tehillim by the letters of the name, Kaddish and El Malei Rachamim, with photos and video sent to you on WhatsApp. See our services or message us on WhatsApp to arrange a visit.