Ask the Director

As I entered Lincoln Park Cemetery, I noticed some people who were washing their hands at a small fountain near the entrance. What is the purpose of this? 

P.J. North Kingstown

Dear P.J.,

There are several reasons for the custom of hand washing when leaving the cemetery. Some see it as a life-affirming ritual after encountering death. Biblically (Deut. 21: 6-9), when someone died of mysterious causes, the people of the area would wash their hands at the cemetery, symbolically affirming that they had not shed innocent blood. There is also a belief that one should not bring dust or earth from the cemetery into a house of the living, and washing will remove any bad spirits. Another rationale for this practice is to cleanse oneself from the ritual impurity regarding the Kohanim (priestly ones) coming into contact with the dead in any way.

As always, I would refer you to your local rabbi for more details.

Questions are welcomed and encouraged. Please send questions to: ShalomChapel@aol.com or by mail to Ask the Director, c/o Shalom Memorial Chapel, 1100 New London Ave., Cranston, R.I. 02920.