THE CAVE OF MACHPELA: THE EARLIEST LAND PURCHASE IN ERETZ YISRAEL
THE CAVE OF MACHPELA:
THE EARLIEST LAND PURCHASE IN ERETZ YISRAEL
The Cave of Machpela was the first land purchase by a Jew in Eretz Yisrael. For this reason it is a unique site in the annals of Jewish history.
The great sages of the Jewish People teach that Abraham purchased the Cave of Machpela for the full market price rather than receive it as a gift, so that the nations of that world would never be able to dispute the eternal ownership by the People of Israel. Later, for the very same reason, Jacob and King David purchased the city of Shechem and the city of Jerusalem respectively. This idea is expressed in the following Midrash (Biblical commentary). (Gen./Beresheet Rabba 79:7):
Said Rabbi Yuden the son of Simon: ” This is one of the three places that the nations (of the world) can never castigate the Jewish people and say “you are occupying stolen territory”. These are the three places: The Cave of the Machpela, the Holy Temple Mount and Joseph’s burial site. The Cave of the Machpela because it is said: ”And Abraham counted out to Ephron the money he had spoken of to the sons of Het--four hundred shekels of valid currency” (Gen. 23:16).
The three places: The Cave of Machpela-the earliest land purchase site, together with Shechem and Jerusalem, are the genuine of continued Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel. These are the very locations where the nations of the world have attempted to claim: ”You are occupying stolen property.”
A special significance is attributed by Jewish scholars, to the purchase of the Cave of the Machpela as they compare it to the Ten Commandments:
“Said Rabbi Eliezer: How much ink is spilled and how many quills are worn out in the writing of the words: ‘The sons of Het’, (who sold the site to Abraham) [for these words, ‘the sons of Het’ are mentioned] ten times-corresponding to the same number of the Ten Commandments”. (Gen. Rabba 58:8).
The very detailed description of the purchase of the Cave of the Machpela by Abraham, the cornerstone of the Jewish People’s affiliation to Eretz Yisrael, is equated to the Ten Commandments - the very basis of the Torah given to the people of Israel.
The purchase of the Cave of the Machpela prior to any other place in the Land of Israel--even before Jerusalem-the site of the Holy Temple--is not perceived by our sages as a mere coincidence. On the contrary, they tell us that Abraham, knowingly and willingly relinquished his right to conquer or purchase Jerusalem as a condition to buying the Cave of the Machpela. This action postponed the acquisition of Jerusalem by more than eight centuries. The following Midrashic illustration from “Pirkei Derabi Eliezer”(Chap. 36) serves as a basis for this teaching:
Abraham advised the Jebusites of his wish to buy the Cave of the Machpela, at a good price, for gold and a legal deed to the place that would be a burial site.
Were they Jebusites? Weren’t they Hittites?--but they were named Jebusites because of their proximity to Jebusite city.
They did not agree. He (Abraham) began kneeling and bowing to them, as it is said: ”And Abraham bowed in front of the people of the land”. They said to him: We know that the All-Mighty will give all of these lands to you and your descendants; enter into an oath with us that the sons of Israel will inherit the city of Jebus only with the consent of the Jebusite people.
Later he purchased the Cave of the Machpela with gold and an everlasting deed. When the people of Israel came into the Land of Israel, they wanted to enter into the Jebusite city. However, they were unable to do so because of Abraham’s oath and covenant with the Jebusites, as it is said: ”And the Jebusite-the settlers of Jerusalem, they (The people of Israel) did not inherit it. (Judges 1:21)
This Midrash comes to teach us, not that Avraham really relinquished Jerusalem, but that he saw Hebron as the foundation of the Jewish People in Israel, without which, we would never reach the holiness of Jerusalem.
ABRAHAM’S ORDEAL WHILE PURCHASING THE CAVE OF MACHPELA
ABRAHAM’S ORDEAL WHILE PURCHASING THE CAVE OF MACHPELA
The purchase of the cave is perceived by our sages as one of ten ordeals used by G-d to test Abraham. His negotiations with the Hittite people and the humble courtesies extended to them stand in flagrant contradiction to G-d’s promise of the land to him.
Even in light of such a perplex situation Abraham does not complain or express contempt. On the contrary, he accepts the verdict with full agreement, and assumes the role of a ”stranger and temporary dweller” at the mercy of the local people, allowing him to perform this last act of kindness towards his wife.
Regarding Abraham’s humility and spiritual endurance during this trial, our sages note the following:
Take note of Abraham’s humility! He was promised by G-d to inherit the land for his descendants forever and now , when looking for a place to bury his wife, he must pay an extraordinary price to buy it. In spite of that, neither did he doubt nor did he challenge G-d. Not only that, but he even spoke to the people in humility: ”I, a mere stranger and temporary dweller among you...” As a reward G-d said to him: ”You have acted in humility - I will make you a master and a prince among them”. “And the Hittites answered Abraham saying: ”Hear us, My lord! You are a mighty prince among us...(Gen. 23:6).
Even the Satan, according to our sages, admits to Abraham’s loyalty to G-d; especially after this trial of the cave purchase:
And it came to pass and the angels came in front of G-d and among them came Satan.
And G-d asked Satan: ”From where do you come?” Answers the Satan:
“From walking and sojourning in the world.” And Satan continues: ”Master of the universe, I sojourned through the entire world and I did not find a loyal servant as your servant Abraham to whom you said: ”Rise and walk through the land to its length and breadth for I will give it to you.” And even after that promise, he did not doubt you when he did not find a place to bury his wife Sarah. (Tractate Baba Batra 15b).
The Cave of Machpela in Biblical Times
The Cave of Machpela in Biblical Times
April 27, 2009
THE CAVE OF MACHPELA
IN BIBLICAL TIMES
I. ADAM AND EVE
According to Jewish sources, Adam was the first to choose the Cave of the Machpela as his burial place “under and inside of the cave.” The Midrash reports:
Adam sat and pondered and he said :”For I know that You will return me to die and at meeting place of all living” (Job 30:23). “As long as I am still alive I will build a house outside of Mt. Moria. He dug and built himself a house. Then he thought, these tablets (the Ten Commandments) which will be written by the hand of G-d will chase away the waters of the Jordan river; my body-made by G-d’s own hands and given a soul by Him. After my death my body and my bones will be taken and be made into idolatry. So, therefore, I will bury my casket deep under and inside the cave. Therefore, the Cave is called the Cave of the Machpela-The Multiple Cave and there is where they are: Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sara, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Leah. And therefore it is called Kiryat Arba -the city of the four- because four couples were buried there.
II. ABRAHAM AND SARAH
Rabbi Rehumai said: G-d Himself created Adam and He Himself took care of Adam at his death. No one knew of Adam’s burial place until Abraham came, entered the cave and saw him. As Abraham entered, the place was filled with the scent of the Garden of Eden and the voice of the ministering angels saying: ”Adam is buried here. Abraham and Isaac will be prepared for this place. Abraham saw the lit candle and went out. At that moment he developed a desire for the place. (New Zohar: Ruth: 79, 4)
Rabbi Huna said: ”Prior to Abraham, there were many who wanted to be buried there but could not enter the place because of a fire emanating from it. The fire was put there by the ministering angels who were guarding the place. When Abraham came, he entered and bought the place.(Pirkei Derabi Elazar Chap. 36)
The first time Abraham entered The Machpela Cave he saw a light and two graves were revealed to him. At that time Adam looked at Abraham and his expression was that of happiness. Hence Abraham knew that he was destined to be buried there.
Said Abraham to Adam: ”Is there an opening here (for the light)?
Answered Adam: ”The All-Mighty has buried me here and since that time I have been hidden from human eyes-like the roots in the ground- until you came to world. From now on, the covenant for me and for humanity will exist because of you. (Zohar Chaye Sarah. 128:1)
According to our sages, even the Matriarch Sarah had a very special connection to the Cave of the Machpela; unfortunately, her hopes about the Cave did not materialize during her lifetime:
“She planned of the field and took it” (Prov. 31:7)-as long as she was alive she had planned to take the field: ”and she took it” (Prov. 31:7)-she took the cave and there she was buried.
Indeed, during her lifetime Sara did not actualize her wish regarding the Cave of Machpela. Only upon her death could Abraham turn to Ephron and seek to purchase it: “And when Sarah died and it became necessary. He (Abraham) said: ‘It is time to claim it (the Cave)’” (Zohar Chaye Sara 128).
III. ISAAC AND REBECCA
During his lifetime, Isaac recognized and knew the value of the Machpela Cave. And this is how our sages comment on the verse related to the blessings given to Jacob: ” And he (Jacob) approached him (Isaac), and he felt the scent of his garments, and he blessed him and said: Behold my son’s scent equals the scent of the field blessed by G-d.” (Gen. 27:27).
Our sages ask: ”How did Isaac know the scent of “the field blessed by G-d”? However, explains the Zohar:
”These are two which are one”. It says in one place:” And Isaac went out in the evening “(Gen. 24:63). Didn’t Isaac have a house or another place in which to pray? But that field was the field of the Machpela which Abraham purchased next to the Cave. When Isaac went to the field he saw the Divine Presence and the field became filled with sacred and supreme scents (from Garden of Eden). That is why he designated it for a his prayer site . And this is, in essence, what Isaac referred to when he said: “behold my son’s scent is that of the field blessed by G-d.”(Gen. 27:27).
Our sages explain why the purchase of the Cave was not mentioned in connection with Isaac’s death:
“...and why was the purchase of the land mentioned in connection with both Abraham’s and Jacob’s burial and NOT with Isaac’s burial? To teach you that when the purchase was disputed -the ownership had to be proved and the deed had to be shown. At the time of Isaac’s burial there was no dispute and therefore there was no need to discuss or mention the purchase. (Gen. Rabati ,50:1; pp. 184 Albek ed. pp. 259)
IIII. JACOB AND LEAH
Jacob’s deep connection to the Cave of Machpela is widely elaborated upon and greatly emphasized in the Torah. Feeling death approach, he forces an oath upon his son, Joseph, the Egyptian Pharoah’s deputy, to bring his body back to Israel to be buried with his ancestors.
“And you shall make a truthful loving kindness with me, do not bury me in Egypt; and I shall lie with my fathers. And you shall carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burial place” (Gen. 47:29-30)
Even his last will and testament to all his sons and their tribes reiterated and details his plea to be buried in Hebron. In his will, he repeats the history and location of the Machpela Cave:
“And he commanded them and said to them: I am being gathered unto my people. Bury me with my fathers, at the cave which is in the field of Ephron the Hittite. In the cave of the field of the Machpela, which is in front of Mamre, in the land of Cana’an, the field which Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite to be an undisputed property. There is where they buried Abraham and his wife Sarah, there is where they buried Isaac and his wife Rebecca...” (Gen. 49:29-32)
Jacob’s deep rooted connection to the Machpela Cave is also expressed in many scholarly sources. They tell us that even Jacob purchased his part in the cave for a fantastic fortune:
“When Isaac passed away, Jacob and Esau, his children, came to divide everything between them. Jacob said to himself: If we divide everything equally, why should this wicked man (Esau) be entitled to be buried in the cave together with the righteous people there? What did he do? He (Jacob) took his share of the silver and gold which he put into a bundle. He came to his brother Esau and said to him : ”Brother! would you want your share in the cave or this bundle of silver and gold instead?
Answered Esau: ”I can find a burial place anywhere. Why should I loose all this money for this particular burial site? “ He than took all the money and gave Jacob his share in the grave. And this is what Jacob said to Joseph before his death:” In my grave which I had dug for myself. It does not say: ”purchased” but rather dug.”
This word “dug” in Hebrew has a double meaning
1)dug
2) bundle.
He said to them: “A bundle of Dinars (currency) I gave Esau [for it].” (Shemot Rabba 31,17)
Esau’s disengagement from the cave expressed his dislike and detachment from any connection to the Land designated to his father and grandfather, as well as any values of holiness and faith. After Isaac’s death, Esau took his leave. Torah sources describe:
“And Esau took his wives and his sons and his daughters and all the souls of his house...and went into a land away from of his brother Jacob” (Gen. 36:6).
Meaning that he left Jacob the principal and profit, the [future] bondage in Egypt and the land (of Israel) and gave him his share of the Multiple Cave, and that he had forsaken the land, his belief and his share and left it all. (Zohar Gen. Vayishlah 177a)
The purchase of the Cave of the Machpela by Jacob is brought by our sages as a central motivating feature of redemption . The Midrash relates the following:
In what merit do the people of Israel deserve this honor (the redemption)?
Answer: Because of living in the Land of Israel and being afflicted by the nations of the world. And so you find with the founding fathers of the world (the Patriarchs) with their endless suffering just to be buried in the Land of Israel. Abraham -for a land of four hundred shekels he gave four hundred silver Kantarins (the heaviest currency). Jacob gave all of the gold for which he worked, all the money that he earned. He bundled it so he could give it to Esau before his death in order to prevent being buried with Esau. As it is said: “In the grave which I had dug for myself.” (Gen. 50:5, Pesikta Rabati Vienna Ed. ,Parsha 1, page 2b).
In spite of the fact that Jacob purchased his lot in the cave for a veritable fortune his children had to reclaim the Cave of the Machpela again, this time with a fight. This event appears in a few Midrashic commentaries as well:
As they arrived at the Machpela Cave, Esau came and prevented their entry. He said: “At Mamre which is Kiryat Arba, there are four couples destined to be buried. Jacob buried Leah in his portion and the one remaining is mine!”
They said to him: ”You sold it!”
He said: “Indeed I sold my birthright, I did not sell my rights on the land!”
They said: “Yes you did, since it is said (by Jacob) the land which I had dug (purchased) (Gen. 50:5) and “digging” in this context means purchase.
Esau: “Bring me the deed!”
“It is in Egypt and who is going to get it? Let Naphtali go for he is as light as a gazelle, as it is said:’Naphtali is an antelope let loose who gives good words’ ” (Gen. 49:21) .
Hushim the son of Dan was there and he was hard of hearing and he said: “What is this?”
“He (Esau) is preventing the burial until Naphtali returns from Egypt,” answered the brothers.
“And until he returns my grandfather will lie here disgracefully,”concluded Hushim.
Hushim then took a big sword and hit Esau on the head; he died and his head rolled by Jacob’s feet. At that moment Jacob opened his eyes and smiled . As it is said: ”The righteous will rejoice when he sees revenge; his feet will bathe in the blood of the wicked.” (Psalms 58:11). (Bab. Talmud 13b).
Commonly, our sage elaborate on Jacob’s connection to the Cave of the Machpela from another perspective: The Cave’s effect on the completion of the world and the return of the light to the Cave after Jacob’s burial. It also serves as a gateway for the righteous who have departed this world and are going to the next. So we find in the Zohar:
When Jacob entered the cave all of the Garden of Eden’s scents filled it, the cave illuminated and one candle lit up. And when the [souls of the] Patriarchs went down to Egypt, to be with Jacob, the candle extinguished. When Jacob came back, the candle lit up and the Cave’s glory was restored. And never did or will the Cave accept anyone else (other than the four couples). And the souls of the righteous people pass in front of them in the cave so that they (Adam and Eve and the other three couples) would see their descendants and rejoice in front of G-d blessed be He.
V. CALEB PRAYING AT
THE CAVE OF THE MACHPELA
Moshe sent 12 Israelites to spy the land of Israel, following the exodus from Egypt. Ten of the spys betrayed their faith and declared their desire to remain in the desert rather than attempt to conquer the Land of Israel. Only two, Joshua and Caleb, remained faithful to the edicts of G-d and Torah.
Caleb’s prayer in the Cave of Machpela carries a very clear message about the importance and significance of the cave:
“And they ascended in the Negev and he came to Hebron” (Num. 13:22)
It should have said: ”And they came” ?! Ravah explains: It (the grammar form) teaches us that Caleb separated from the counsel of the spies and went to pray in the Cave. He said to them:” Fathers, beg for me that I be saved from the spies’ counsel”. (Bab. Sotah 34b)
VI. KING DAVID AND THE PATRIARCHS IN HEBRON
Our sages emphasize the comparison between Abraham -The first Hebrew and King David. This comparison connects them to the same place-Hebron. As Abraham was commanded by G-d to go to the land of Israel where only there could he attain the necessary degree of saintliness, David could not be given the royal appointment until after he developed the needed bond with the Forefathers in Hebron. (Zohar , Gen. Lech Lecha 79b).
The Zohar continues:
Everything that G-d made on earth is all done with the secret of Divinely inspired wisdom and since Abraham could not adhere to G-d in the required degree, he was therefore commanded to “Go forth”. There was the place where Abraham could come closer to G-d. That was the first stage where such closeness can take place and that is why it is said: ”Go forth”.
Similar to this it is written: ” And David asked G-d saying...” Why did not David become king over Israel immediately after Saul’s death? But since all is done through the secret of Divinely inspired wisdom, David could not be king until after he developed a bond with the Fathers in Hebron and only then, he could assume royalty. Therefore, he had to stay in Hebron for seven years so that he would receive the kingship properly and with Divinely inspired wisdom establish his kingdom in Jerusalem. Similarly, Abraham did not completely reach his lofty spiritual level until after he entered the Land of Israel.
This idea is corroborated further by the answer given to David when he asked G-d: ”Do I ascend to one of Judea’s cities?” G-d’s first answer: “Ascend!” “To which city?”... “To Hebron.”
VII. MOSES LINKS WITH THE
FOREFATHERS IN THE CAVE OF MACHPELA.
Prior to Moses’ death, G-d showed him the entire land of Israel. Scholars emphasize the fact the Moses was shown the Cave of the Machpela: “And G-d showed him the entire land and the Negev (southern region).” (. 34:1,3) This verse teaches us that He showed him the Machpela Cave where the patriarchs are buried. How do we know? Since it says “...The Negev” and earlier it says: ”And they went up to the Negev and they came to Hebron.” (Num. 13:22) The usage of the word Negev in connection to Hebron indicates that Moses was shown the Cave. (Sifri Deut. 357).
Even after his death, Moses unknown burial site remains connected to the Cave of the Machpela and therefore, through it, to the people of Israel -forever:
“And Moses died there” (Deut. 35:5) Samalion says: ”How do we know-a tunnel connects between both Moses’ and the patriarchs’ burial sites Is says here: ”And Moses died there, and it says: ”There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife” (Gen. 49:31).
THE MEANING OF THE NAME “MACHPELA”
THE MEANING OF THE NAME “MACHPELA”
April 27, 2009
THE MEANING OF THE NAME “MACHPELA”
The name “Machpela” given to the Field and the Cave has been largely expounded upon by our sages:
· “Machpela” means “Multiple.” - housing multiples of couples: Adam & Eve, Abraham & Sarah, Isaac & Rebecca, Jacob & Leah. (Tract. Eruvin 53a)
· The cave has a double structure:” Two houses, one inside the other” or, ”a house with another floor above it”. (Tract. Eruvin 53a)
· The virtue of whoever is buried there: ”Whoever is interred there has multiple reward” (Br. Rab. 58).
· Adam was buried there by the All-Mighty (Br. Rab. 58).
The mystical book of the Zohar elaborates on the question of the meaning of the term “Machpela” as it analyzes the contextual usage of this term: Sometimes the word is use as “The Field of the Machpela” and other times as “The Cave of the Machpela.” The Zohar reports:
“Rabbi El’azar asked his father Rabbi Shimon :The term multiple cannot possibly refer to the cave because it is written, ”The cave of Machpela” and later on it is referred to as the Cave of the Field of the Machpela, hence the name “Machpela”-multiple refers only to the Field. Rabbi Shimons’ response: ”They are both called the Machpela”.
One way to explain Rabbi Shimon’s response is that the word Machpela means both “multiple” and “folded.” The Zohar describes the following:
“The Cave of the Machpela. Take note, Jerusalem and all of the Land of Israel was folded under it”.
This symbolic description expresses the meaning of the purchase made by Abraham . This purchase therefore included the purchase of the land which was “folded and multiplied under the Cave”.
THE PURCHASE OF THE CAVE OF THE MACHPELA: A GUIDE FOR ACQUISITION PROCEDURES
THE PURCHASE OF THE CAVE OF THE MACHPELA: A GUIDE FOR ACQUISITION PROCEDURES
April 27, 2009
THE PURCHASE OF THE CAVE OF THE MACHPELA: A GUIDE FOR ACQUISITION PROCEDURES
The purchase of the Cave of the Machpela, as the first land purchase in the Land of Israel, is used by our sages as the prototype for the Laws of Acquisition. Our sages point out that the lesson of the Torah story of the purchase describes four different methods by which land can be acquired. In order to secure the purchase, Abraham made use of all four methods:
“... (and the land came) to Abraham as an acquisition...”- with money, with a deed, with witnesses and with a physical hold.
a. Money
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- Abraham paid four hundred silver shekels.
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b. Deed
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- The wording of the written contract as it is described in the Torah: ”Ephron’s field, in the Machpela, adjoining Mamre, thus became (Abraham’s) uncontested property. (This included) the field its cave and every tree within its circumference .
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c. Witness
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-The many references made to the fact that this purchase was done in front of many people who witness the transaction.
“And Ephron the Hittite responded to Abraham in the hearing of the Hittite peoplepresent there at the gate of the city.” (Gen. 23:10)
“In the presence of my people (I will give it to you).” (Gen. 23:11) .
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d. Physical Hold
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-immediately following the purchase Abraham buried Sara and from that point forward the acquisition becomes absolute:” And after that (the purchase ), Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the Cave of the field of Machpela-and the field and the cave became a burial site from Abraham’s uncontested acquisition from the Hittite people. (Gen. 23:20).
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These verses became the basis of Mishnaic and Talmudic teachings describing the legal aspects of valid contractual obligations. Furthermore, the Midrash explains that though all purchase methods are acceptable, the most definite and decisive one is that of physical hold since it establishes a permanent reality and this is what Abraham did when he buried Sara in the cave.
This transaction, according to Jewish scholars, would have to withstand much scrutiny and testing through future generations. The Midrash says:
When the patriarch Jacob spoke his last will and testament before his sons, he said: ”I am being gathered unto my people, carry me to the cave which is in the field of Ephron the Hittite and bury me with my fathers.” (Gen. 49:29)
They said to him: ”Which is this cave?”
He said to them: ”In the cave of the Machpela-when you see a double cave you will know that this is the place. And why is it called “Machpela-(doubled), because all who are buried there are rewarded manifold.”
They asked him: ”On which plain it is located?”
He said to them: ”Next to Mamre’s property”.
They asked him : ”Where is it?”
He said to them: “In the land of Cana’an”.
They asked him: “By what right are you entering the cave?”
He said: ”By the right of my grandfather Abraham who purchased it. As it is said: ”Which Abraham purchased from the people of Ephron the Hittite as a possession to be a burial place” . And just as Abraham and Sarah, and Isaac and Rebecca are buried in pairs, so too, bury me next to my wife Leah.” As it is said: ”And there I buried Leah”.
They said: ”We fear that the Hittite people may come and claim that the field was not Ephron’s but theirs”.
He said to them:” Do not fear. When Abraham purchased the cave it was “In the presence of the Hittite people”. Were there to have been any claims they would have alleged them during that time. Therefore it is said:” and the field and its cave became an uncontested possession to Abraham from the Hittite people” (not only from Ephron the seller).
“THE SLUMBERES OF HEBRON”
“THE SLUMBERES OF HEBRON”
April 27, 2009
“THE SLUMBERES OF HEBRON”
The Midrash says: And I will remember my covenant with Jacob. This is what the Psalmist is referring to when he said: ”You took the vine from Egypt, etc.”( Psalms 80:9) Just like the vine is supported by dry trees and is still moist, so too, the people of Israel rely on their Forefathers merit -even though the forefathers are asleep.( Vayikrah Rabba 36)
In a very deep spiritual dimension, though asleep, dead and buried, the Forefathers beg for their children: “The rabbis have taught: Six (people) were not under the jurisdiction of the angel of death: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron and Miriam...”( Talmud Bavli: Baba Batra 17a)
Every time when the world is in need of mercy and the living are stressed, prayer is recited and the Forefathers:
“The Slumbers of Hebron”-rise and go to the earthy Garden of Eden where all the spirits of the righteous are found and they wrap themselves with a crown of light; they consult with them, and declare a decree. The All-Mighty is bound by that decree and does their will to show mercy on the world. And when the world is in need of mercy and the living go and inform the souls of the righteous and weep over their graves-then the righteous people who are on the proper level to bond their soul with those of the righteous departed.
Then the souls of the departed righteous awaken and gather to go to the “Slumbererss of Hebron”[the Forefathers] and inform them of the world’s plight and all go up to the gate of the garden of Eden and inform the wind, Those spirits who are surrounded with the Garden of Eden have supreme angels among them and all of these inform the Neshama (a supreme soul) and it informs the All-Mighty and all together beg mercy for the living and for their sake, the All-Mighty bestows His mercy on the world. (Zohar Beresheet 39:1)
Furthermore:
When G-d remembers His children He drops two [of his] tears in the great sea. The sound of these tears falling among the waves reaches the Cave of Machpela and awakens the Forefathers. They rise surmising that the All-Mighty wants to destroy the world. Soon a voice is heard: ”Do not fear holy and beloved ones? It is for you that G-d remembers your children and wants to redeem them... and so you will see.
In many daily prayer books we can find the “Elijah’s Introduction” prayer. It reads:
Rose Rabbi Shimon and said: ”To you G-d is the greatness, the power, the eternity and the glory. “(Chron. I. 29:11) Hear O Supreme ones! Those who dwell in Hebron and [Moses] the loyal shepherd! Awaken from your slumber! Awake and sing, you that dwell in the dust. These are the righteous who are of the position of: ”I am asleep but my heart is awake” and are not dead and that is why it is said of them: “...awake and sing, you that dwell in the dust...” You loyal shepherd, you and the Forefathers, awake and sing, to awaken the Divine Presence [Shechina] which is dormant in the exile, as the righteous ones who also sleep in their caves. Soon the Divine Presence gives out three sounds in front of the loyal shepherd (Moses) and says to him: ”Rise, loyal shepherd...” Soon he rises and with him the holy Forefathers.
According to the Talmud, it is Elijah the prophet who will awaken the Forefathers. This talmudic tale tells us that Elijah the Prophet was accustomed to visit Rebbi’s (Rabbi Judah the Prince) Yeshiva.
One day, the first of the Jewish month, Rebbi awaited him but he never came. When he finally came Rebbi asked Elijah why he tarried?
He answered that he goes to the Cave of the Machpela and waits until he awakens Abraham who washes his hands and prays as do Isaac and Jacob.
Asked Rebbi: ”Why don’t you raise them all at once?
Elijah answered: “So geat is their prayer that if they will all pray at once -they might bring the Messiah before his time.”( Bavli Tract Baba Metsiah 85b)
FROM TRAVELOGUES THROUGH THE CENTURIES
FROM TRAVELOGUES THROUGH THE CENTURIES
April 27, 2009
FROM TRAVELOGUES THROUGH THE CENTURIES
Through the centuries, Hebron and the Cave of Machpela continued to be the focus of the yearnings of the Jewish people. Despite the perils of the journey and the hardships they incurred, Jews continued to make the trek to the City of their Forefathers. To distinguished travelers to the Holyland, Hebron and the Cave of the Machpela were important sites. Their description of them are evidence of the unbroken chain of the Jewish People’s connection to Hebron and their perseverance even under harsh conditions.
From the Travels of Reb Benjamin of Tudelah (1173):
"And in the valley is the Cave of Machpela, if a Jew should pay the Ishmaelite watchman, he will open for him an iron gate. From there one descends stairs with a candle in hand. Upon reaching the third cave one will find six graves. These are the graves of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and opposite them, Sarah, Rebecca and Leah, And inside the cave are many barrels, filled with bones of Israelites who would bring the bones of their dead to the Cave in the age of Israel.:
In 1166 Maimonides, the Rambam, visited the Holy Land. In the preface to his commentary on the tractate of Rosh Hashana he writes of his visit to Hebron.
"And on the first day of the week, the ninth day of the month of Heshvan, I left Jerusalem for Hebron to kiss the graves of my forefathers in the Cave of Machpela. And on that very day I stood in the Cave and I prayed, praised be G-d for everything. And these two days, the sixth (when he prayed on Temple Mount in Jerusalem) and the ninth of Mar-Heshvan I vowed to make as a special holiday and in which I will rejoice with prayer, food and drink. May the Lord help me to keep my vows.." At the edge of the field is the house of Abraham, And it is forbidden to build a home there, in respect to Abraham. From the introduction of Tractate Rosh HaShana)
Rabbi Petachia of Regensberg writes of his visit to Hebron in 1185.
"The watchman led me down the stairs, with candles lit. In the middle of the cave is an opening in the ground. From the opening came a strong wind which extinguished the candles. That is the burial place of our forefathers, and I prayed there . . . And in the place where the angels appeared to Abraham is an ancient tree with three large limbs. Tradition has it that when the angels leaned against the tree, it split into three parts. And the fruits of that tree are most sweet.”
From the letters of the famous commentator of the Mishna, Rabbi Ovadiah of Bartenura, (1488):
"Over the Cave of Machpela is a large building of the Ishmaelites, who regard the sacred site with fear and awe. No person, Jew or Ishmaelite, is allowed to descend to the Cave, And there is a small window in the outer wall of the building, which is above the grave of Abraham, and there the Jews are allowed to pray. And in Hebron live 20 Jewish families, all of them scholars, some of them descendants of the Morannos, who came to find refuge under the wings of the Divine Presence , . I lived in Hebron for many months.”
Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Katinetz, (1850):
"At evening we safely reached Hebron. Hebron is a large city. The Jews of Hebron are Sephardic, and there is also a Chabad community. They are very charitable people and provide for all the needs of any traveler visiting the city. It is forbidden for a Jew to enter the building over the Cave of Machpela. The Jews pray on the seventh stair. There is a hole in the wall which reaches down to the graves. The Jews wrote their prayers on small pieces of parchment and slip them through the hole.”
From the journal of Mrs. Judith Montefiore (1838):
“The 15th of June, Hebron. The Jews of Hebron are very poor but are possessed of a unique charm. Love of the Land of their Forefathers fills their hearts and is preferable to them than palaces of kings. The Jewish community accorded us much honor. This city is blessed with vineyards, groves of olive trees and fruits of many kinds, more than in cities of Europe. I desired to build a house amidst the lush greenery so that I could feast my eyes on the idyllic beauty through all the seasons of the year.”
D. Avishar, resident of Hebron, early 1900's:
"The month of Elul in Hebron brought with it hundreds of visitors from afar. The first to arrive, by foot, would be the young men from Tsor, Sidon and Damascus. When the visitors would reach the out-skirts of Hebron, the youngsters and community leaders, singing joyously, would go out to welcome them and accompany them to the community inn. The visit of the young men would bring great joy to the Hebron community. During the day the visitors would pray at the Cave of Machpela and other holy places in the city. At night they would dance and sing, and the entire community would come to the inn to participate in the festivities.”
Menashe Mani, resident of Hebron, early 1900's:
“The eve of Sabbath. The narrow alleys of the Jewish Quarter have been scrubbed in honor of the holy day. The song Lecha Dodi, welcoming the Sabbath Queen, reverberates through the Quarter. The worshippers, dressed in white and bedecked in prayer shawls, make their way to the courtyard of the ancient synagogue. Facing the olive groves and the Judean hills, their voices resound in excitement as they beckon the Sabbath, `Boee Kallah, Boee Kallah, Welcome beloved, Sabbath Queen.' The worshippers return to the synagogue, aglow with the lamps of olive oil, circle the ark and continue to chant, `A Psalm for the Sabbath Day - - A hot summer's day, 1929. We are traveling to Hebron. The journey to Hebron is long and arduous. Following a warm welcome at the inn of Rabbi Shneur Zalman Schneerson we turn toward the Cave of Machpela. As we walk, an Arab calls after us, `Jewish dogs!' and throws at us a watermelon rind. We quicken our pace and arrive at the Cave. We stand on the seventh step, past which Jews are forbidden to ascend. One of our companions rests his foot on the 8th step. Immediately the Arab guard appears, and pushes him down amidst curses.”
Reported by S. Avidor in Panim El Panim 1976:
1967-The Israel Defense Forces liberate Hebron. Jews by the thousands stream daily to the Cave of Machpela. "Hundreds of men and women stand next to the grave markers in the Cave. They recite psalms and shed tears. It seems that all burdens of the heart find vent here, by the Fathers and Mothers of our nation. A group of Yemenite Jews with curled side-locks sway in enthusiastic prayer. Suddenly, one of the group unveils a long ram's horn and blows 'Tekiya, Shevarim, Tekiya.' In another corner a French Jew is chanting the Biblical story of the `Akeidah.' Nearby, a Breslover Chasid stands immersed in prayer. A Moroccan woman kisses Sarah's grave marker and wails, `Mother, Mother!'
From the Cave of Machpela, we continued toward the Old Jewish Quarter. We searched for the small gate leading to the courtyard that was home to Jews for hundreds of years. In this Quarter lived the renowned Kabbalist, Rabbi Avraham Azulai. and the scholarly `Sde Chemed.' They prayed here in the ancient Avraham Avinu Synagogue. We searched and searched, but as if in a nightmare, could not find a trace. We asked the Arab passers-by to direct us to the Jewish Quarter, but they pointed us in the opposite direction. Only after an intensive quest did we realize that we were standing next to the Jewish Quarter the entire time.
The Quarter, however, is almost completely destroyed. The Avraham Avinu Synagogue has been desecrated-the holy arks in it burned. The Jewish Quarter has been reduced to rubble. From the Jewish Quarter we set out to find the ancient Jewish cemetery. Where the cemetery once stood we discovered a cabbage patch.'
In the Temple | 
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