For the source text click/tap here: Taanit 16
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Our daf states that it was the custom to visit a cemetery on a fast day. One reason given is that the Jewish people were saying that they consider themselves like corpses and this will stimulate them to repent.
Another reason is that this will enable the deceased who are buried in the cemetery to pray for them.According to the second reason, they would not visit a cemetery that contained the graves of gentiles.
We explore the controversial history of visiting cemeteries to daven and visiting kivrei zaddikim to intercede on our behalf with the Almighty.
I end with my travelogue to Uman on Rosh Hashanah 2011 and my ambivalence…