Q. If a matzeiva can't be placed on time for the yohrzait due to the current crisis issues and will only be ready about three months later, can the family meantime just place a large heavy concrete slab or block with a nicely painted name?
A. When placing a matzeiva one has to be concerned with avoiding committing degrading or debasing variations from what is a normal monument in that section of the cemetery. This act is included in the prohibition of 'Loeg L'rosh' or shaming the poor and unfortunate.
Besides, it is likely to be illegal, in regard to the conditions of burial contracted with the managers of the cemetery.
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is better to wait until the proper matzeiva can be installed,
The Rov added that there are different minhogim and traditions as to when to erect the matzeiva. It is not unusual to have to wait sometimes longer that a year.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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