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Question
I've often seen old timers at Jewish cemeteries who I have been told will say a prayer at a gravesite for a small token fee. I would like to know what they are called and what the tradition is behind this?
Answer
There are really no official names for these people. For the most part they are itinerant Jews who are able to recite the graveside prayers which are customarily said. The fee is frankly charity as the family themselves can recite the prayers, whether in Hebrew or English.
The prayers include psalms, the prayer El Maleh - God full of compassion, and the mourner's kaddish if there is a minyan of 10 people.
Best Wishes,
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner
Foundation
for Family Education (FFFE)
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