The Foundational Sefer for Traveling to Kivrei Tzaddikim – Maavar Yabok from the Holy Satmar Rebbe ZYA"A
Maavar Yabok, authored by Rabbi Aharon Berachia of Modena, detailing conduct and practices for a yahrtzeit, as well as the foundational sefer for all minhagim related to the Chevra Kadisha, cemeteries, and related customs. Printed in Vilna, 1911.
This copy belonged to the Holy Satmar Rebbe ZYA"A, bearing his personal stamp from his tenure as Av Beis Din of Orshiva.
Quoted Extensively by the Satmar Rebbe ZYA"A – The Rebbe cites Maavar Yabok multiple times, emphasizing its significance. In a teshuva regarding the construction of ohalim over kivrei tzaddikim (Shu”t Divrei Yoel, Siman 100:3), the Rebbe writes:
"Since Maavar Yabok upholds the minhag of building an ohel, there is no place for questioning it, even if we do not fully understand the reasons."
The Source for Traveling to Kivrei Tzaddikim
From the teachings of the Satmar Rebbe ZYA"A, we learn that this holy sefer serves as the foundational source for the practice of traveling to kivrei tzaddikim, and that their great merit is awakened when people daven at their resting places.
The Rebbe writes in Shu”t Divrei Yoel (Siman 99:4):
"We do not fully comprehend the depth of these matters, but since in previous generations it has been the minhag, established by chachamim and tzaddikim, to visit cemeteries, we rely on the principle that ‘one who observes a mitzvah will know no harm.’ It is already written in Maavar Yabok (Imrei Noam 41) and in other sacred sefarim that when one davens at the graves of tzaddikim, their merit is awakened."
End quote.
