THE TOMB OF MACHPELA

The Cave of Machpela in Hebron, 36 km south of Jerusalem, 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. Herod the Great built huge walls around it with perfectly hewn stone blocks.  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.

Devotions at t he Tomb of Abraham

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 Machpela. Another smaller room contains the tombs of Abraham and Sarah and across an open courtyard are those of Jacob and Leah.

The Tomb, also known as Haram al-Kalil or Ma'arat HaMachpela, is divided into a Muslim and a Jewish side. During special days pilgrims can visit both sides. Christians may visit both sides. To find out which ten days the entire Ma’ara is open to Jews, call: +972 2 996 5333.

Open Sunday – Thursday 04:00 – 21:00 (closed during prayer times). Check on +972 52 429 5554 or +972 2 960 5602 to make sure.

How to get there

Public bus transport is running between Hebron and Jerusalem (32km). Visitors travel to Hebron by road on Main Road 60.

More information:

http://www.machpela.com/ for all the information you need on the Tomb of Machpela