Why do some Rabbis pause while walking to the grave?

     "The pauses, considered symbolic today, are an expression of man's unwillingness to take leave of the deceased.  There are various customs in this regard.
     While carrying the coffin to the grave, some follow the practice of pausing three times, some seven, until the burial site is reached.  The origin of the practice of pausing during the procession leaving the gravesite was indicated by the Gaon Sar Shalom, the ninth-century head of the great academy in Sura.  In his day the procession paused seven times to shake off evil spirits that clung to those returning from a funeral.  With each stop one of the spirits would disappear.  Scholars in subsequent centuries (Rashi, Isserles) repeated this explanation for the practice of halting the procession on the way to and from the grave.  Other scholars believe the custom of halting seven times stems from the seven references to the vanity of life mentioned in the book of Koheles (Ecclesiastes)."

  
Sonny, Janet and Eileen, Rob & D.J.

* Taken from the THE JEWISH MOURNER'S BOOK OF WHY

Unveilings?

Unveilings have become the formal way of dedicating the monument (headstone) that has been erected.  The formal ceremonies of today were not common in Europe.  The popularity of unveilings occurred in America in the 1900s.  There is no religious obligation to hold an unveiling.  

In fact it is not necessary for a Rabbi to be present at an unveiling or at a funeral.  Anyone able to recite the prescribed psalms and to deliver the eulogy (if one is desired) may officiate. 

The words inscribed on the stone are usually covered so that a member of the family will have the honor to unveil it "officially," at which moment the inscription will be seen for the first time by the public.  It is merely a ceremonial act. 

Sonny, Janet , Eileen, Rob & D.J.

* Taken from the THE JEWISH MOURNER'S BOOK OF WHY

What do the symbols on a Jewish headstone mean?

     Graves of a Cahan often have tombstones engraved with outstretched hands.  These represent the offering of the Priestly Benediction.  Tombstones on the graves of Levites often have a laver or cup engraved on them, which symbolizes a function of the Levites: to pour water on the hands of the Cahan before he offers the Priestly Benediction.
      Below are several symbols and their meaning.  Click the image to view it in a full screen.

Sonny, Janet and Eileen, Rob & D.J.

* Taken from the THE JEWISH MOURNER'S BOOK OF WHY