Question:
Hi,
I read what written on this site in regards to kohanim going to kivrei tzaddinkim. the conclusion is that there is tumah.
1. I’m wondering is there any value of getting as close to the kever? Could I just stay at home or is there some stronger connection when going up to meron and trying to get as close to kivrei tzaddikim? Is there any benefit to fly to kivrei tzaddikim if I could only stand outside the cemetery?
- Also you mention the gemara b"b 58a about reb banai marking kivrei avos for kohanim. was wondering if they were buried in a cave why wouldnt it be muttar to walk on top and measuring was not necessary?
Thank you for taking the time to answer
Answer:
- There is value, for kohanim to go to the vicinity of a kever even if they are not going to be near it. It is written by one of the mekubalim, that Kalev, one of the spies in the went to Chevron, to daven at the graves of the Avos. He asks, that there is quite a distance between Chevron and the Mearas Hamachpela, so why didn’t he go all the way to the graves? He says from this that he felt that it is enough to get that close, even though he wasn’t all the way there. (Heard from R’ Lumbard shlit”a).
- Even though they buried in a cave form, being that the opening to the grave was sealed, and covered, (similar to our graves, which are covered and sealed), therefore the tuma goes up, and a person walking on top of it becomes tameh.
Best wishes
