WHY PUT A STONE BY THE GRAVE

Why put a stone on a Jewish grave? BY RABBI DAVID BASSOUS

1. A very early reference to this custom is found in a commentary to the Shulchan Aruch, who explains that the custom of placing stones or tufts of grass on the grave is for the honor of the deceased person by marking the fact that his grave had been visited. (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chayim 224)

b. In those days graves never had a large tombstone but many small stones the custom began to add a stone every time a person passes by them to add to the mound. See Ezekiel 39:15

c. The soul of the deceased knows who placed the stone and will pray for them (folk lore).