Beliefs about Jewish Cemetery on Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, Israel - Encircle Photos

Beliefs about Jewish Cemetery on Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, Israel

There are several beliefs about the Jewish Cemetery on Mount of Olives. First, at the end of days (Jewish Eschatology), the Messiah will arrive at the Golden Gate, also called the Gate of Mercy (next to trees). Everyone is buried with their feet toward Temple Mount because they will walk there after arising from the dead. All who lay here will be resurrected without the need for atonement. Notice the small rocks on the graves. There are at least a half dozen stories about how this tradition began. Regardless, it is now customary for visitors to place stones on a loved one’s crypt using their left hand as a sign of respect and mourning. Interestingly, foreign visitors to Mount of Olives frequently pocket small stones so they can place them on graves overseas. This act is said to allow the buried the same Day of Resurrection considerations as if they were buried in the Jewish Cemetery.

Beliefs about Jewish Cemetery on Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, Israel

Jewish Cemetery, Rabaa al Adwaya, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel

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