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The Cave of Machpelah
 
Hevron
 

The Cave of Machpelah

Tomb of the Patriarchs


The Cave of Machpelah in Hebron is one of the holiest places in the Land of Israel. It is the burial place that Abraham purchased for his family after Sarah died (Genesis 23:8-17). Later, Isaac and Ishmael buried Abraham there (Gen. 25:9).
Subsequently, it became the final resting place for all the patriarchs and matriarchs, except Rachel, who died near Bethlehem.

The building over the tomb is truly amazing in its dimensions, complexity and antiquity. Huge walls built by Herod the Great 2,000 years ago surround it, while the interior is a combination of medieval architecture, Arabesque décor from later centuries, and synagogues founded after the reestablishment of the Jewish community here following the 1967 Six Day War.
In one corner of the largest hall, with its house-like tomb markers for Isaac and Rebecca, a cupola stands over a small opening into the actual Cave of Machpelah. Another, smaller room contains the tombs of Abraham and Sarah, and across an open courtyard are those of Jacob and Leah.


 

http://www.machpela.com/
For the schedule of visiting hours, call 052-4295554