What is an "unveiling" of a cemetery monument?

A common Jewish practice to honor the dead is the unveiling. This refers to a graveside ceremony where the family of the deceased consecrates their relative’s headstone monument.

What happens at an unveiling?

At an unveiling, the cemetery monument is shown to the public. Often, it is covered with a veil, handkerchief or cloth. This is a ceremony that typically occurs up to one year after the funeral and burial. At the ceremony, family members and friends recite prayers and passages including Psalms, a prayer for the dead and sometimes the prayer Kaddish. Participants can also give a eulogy. A Rabbi usually officiates this service.
According to the group Chabad's Website, removing the veil, handkerchief or cloth from the gravestone represents the “erection of the tombstone.” Any family member can remove the veil.

Tradition

As explained in a previous blog, many people at the unveiling follow the Jewish tradition of placing a small rock or pebble on the headstone. This is one way to show one’s presence at the gravesite. In this instance, individuals may leave a pebble on the tombstone to respect and honor the dead and to also show their presence.

It is interesting to note that Chabad considers eating and drinking at the cemetery to be in “poor taste.” Not eating or drinking at a cemetery is to show respect for mourners and the dead. It is also a relatively new custom. Many years ago, it would take a very long time to reach a cemetery. This was due to less advanced methods of transportation, so it was acceptable to eat a small amount of food at the cemetery. However, this was done away from the graves.