Q. There is a tradition in our family to invite our deceased grandfathers to weddings and other S’machot by placing an invitation to the occasion at the Matzeva, usually in the container where the candles are lit. A member of our visiting relatives wants to place an invitation to their wedding during Shabbat as that is the only day she can do it. Is it permissible?
A. The above should be avoided for two reasons, Firstly. as addressed on question 3739 on visiting Kevarim on Erev Shabbos or during Shabbos we wrote: “On Erev Shabbos the answer is that it is permitted, however on Shabbos and Yom Tov it is not.
The Arizal (Shaar Hayichudim) argues that on Shabbos the Neshomos of the Tzadikim are not in contact with their earthly abode.
Mishmeres Sholom (5: 29), Nitei Gavriel (Avelus 83: 2) and others permit to visit Kever Avos (burial ground of forefathers) and Tzadikim to pray for someone who is in life danger, during Shabbos or Yom Tov.”
Our Rabbonim pointed out that additionally it is prohibited since one will be carrying an object (the invitation) where there is no valid Eruv.
Even if there is an Eruv in the city, the cemetery with its protective fence stand as a separate entity, where you cannot carry during Shabbos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav
Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a.
Leave A Comment