Kever Avot — literally «graves of the fathers» — is the Sephardic and Bukharian tradition of visiting ancestral graves before the High Holidays, usually in the first week of Elul (mid-late August or early September on the civil calendar). The custom comes from the spiritual idea that the ancestors intercede on behalf of the family during the Days of Awe; visiting the grave is a way of asking for their merit (zechut).
When in Elul. The Bukharian custom is the first week of Elul, although some families visit at multiple points: Erev Rosh Hashanah, Erev Yom Kippur, and Erev Hoshana Rabbah. The Ashkenazi minhag is similar but somewhat looser — sometime in Elul, often the week before Rosh Hashanah.
What happens at the grave. Specific prayers from the Sephardic siddur: Psalm 16 («Mikhtam le-David»), Psalm 49, Kel Maleh Rachamim, and the Hashkavah prayer. A small stone is placed on the matzevah; many families also light a small memorial candle (different from the at-home yahrzeit candle, this one is lit at the grave).
The remote-Kever-Avot service. We schedule a 25–40 minute visit during the first week of Elul (you confirm the exact day in your cabinet). A representative reads the prayers aloud, places the stone, and provides a live video stream (we use Zoom or WhatsApp Video for low-latency, depending on your preference). Many families schedule a Zoom call so that 5–15 family members from across the diaspora can «attend» together.
Family video etiquette. We recommend cameras on for family members participating live; silence during the prayers; light commentary in the chat is fine for the surrounding minutes. Recordings are saved to your cabinet for future generations.
Cost. The standalone Kever Avot service is $80–150 depending on the cemetery (Bukhara is at the lower end; remote rural cemeteries higher). For families on annual subscriptions of 12+ visits, Kever Avot is included with no surcharge.
When to book. We open Kever Avot booking each year on 1 Tammuz (about 6 weeks before Elul) and close it once the slots fill (usually mid-Av). Book early for the most popular dates (the evening before Rosh Hashanah is most-requested).