Psalms at the Cemetery
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Question
Hello, I would like to know the source for reciting these specific Psalms at the cemetery (33, 16, 17, 72, 91, 104, 130). Why were these particular ones chosen? Thank you and have a blessed day.
Answer
Hello,
The custom of reciting these Psalms is a Jerusalem tradition. See more in the sources.
The main purpose of reciting the Psalms is for the Kaddish that is said afterward, as this Kaddish has great power to annul accusations. As Rabbi David Oppenheim wrote in his book "Nishal David" about a terrible incident that occurred in his time and place with the Rabbi, author of "Vayakhel Moshe".
Source
The Jerusalem custom is mentioned in the book "Gesher HaChaim" (Part 1, p. 306). There are many other customs as well, mentioned in the book "Netai Gavriel" (Mourning, Part 2, p. 661 and onward).
"Nishal David" (Part 3, Appendix to Appendices, letter ד). This incident is mentioned in "Birkei Yosef" Yoreh De'ah, siman 376.