I've been to my share of Jewish cemetaries but did not see this practice
until I visited the American Cemetary at Coleville, Normandy, France.  It
was the 50th Anniversity of the D-Day landing and graves were marked with
flowers for the occasion.  The first Star of David marker caught my eye
because I first saw the name on it as "Rovner" -- it turned out to be
"Rosner".  Three small pebbles had been placed on it.  I was asked about it,
but frankly did not know of this tradition.  It was brought back to mind
when I saw Schindler's List.  Clearly, it is a widespread cultural practice.

One also wonders about the archaeological manifestations of this practice.
What archaeologist would think of looking for "imported natural pebbles" --
and could we identify them as such if we found them?

Irv Rovner



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