The Unveiling Service, held graveside, is the formal dedication of the monument, and may be held anytime between the end of Shiva and the first Yahrzeit (the anniversary of the death). The Unveiling Service consists of the recitation of several psalms, a eulogy, removal of the veil from the monument, the malei rachamim prayer and Kaddish. In the event that there is no minyan present, the unveiling may proceed, but Kaddish cannot be recited.
Additional Considerations
Rabbi Edelkopf is available to assist you with any end of life issues, the loss of a loved one or the arrangements associated therewith.
Often, the need arises for assistance in locating a deceased’s gravesite and/or translation of the Hebrew or Yiddish engraving on a monument. Being familiar with all of the Jewish Cemeteries from the Brooklyn and Queens boarders with Long Island, eastbound.
Our Chabad House, located in Massapequa, is a short ten (10) minute drive from the Jewish Cemeteries, and is available to rent so you may receive family and friends . Rabbi Edelkopf and/or his staff can arrange anything from the traditional bagels and lox, simple coffee and cake, up to and including a fully catered brunch or luncheon for you and your guests, all of it of course, Kosher. Kosher Catering Click
The service of commemoration or unveiling is a formal dedication of the monument. It is customary to hold the unveiling within the first year after death. It should be held at anytime between the end of shiva and the yahrzeit.
Unveilings are held on those days when grave visitations may be made, as outlined in the previous chapter. They are held in all weather and, in our day, precisely on time. With the shortage of available rabbis, and the large number of unveilings concentrated in the spring or fall, it is clearly advisable to call the rabbi six or seven weeks in advance, and to set the date after consulting with him.
The unveiling is the formal removal of a veil, a cloth, or handkerchief draped over the stone. It symbolizes the erection of the tombstone. The unveiling may be executed during the service by anyone the family designates.
The service consists of the recitation of several Psalms, the eulogy, the removal of the veil, the malei rachamim, and Kaddish. For purposes of reciting the Kaddish, a minyan is required. The mourners can be counted as part of the minyan. If no minyan is available, the unveiling may be held, but the Kaddish may not be recited.
The rabbi will frequently suggest placing pebbles on the monument. This custom probably serves as a reminder of the family's presence.
