Our tour begins at Beit Hadassah, in the Jewish Quarter of Hebron, where we will learn about the life of the Jewish community of Hebron throughout the centuries and in modern times — from its renewal after the Six-Day War to the present day. We will discuss the city’s significance in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as the conflicts and terrorist attacks that have shaped its modern history.
From the Elior Junction, we continue along a small street leading to the ancient Jewish and Karaite cemeteries of Hebron. Jews have buried their dead here for centuries, although many graves have been lost or damaged, especially during the period of Jordanian rule over the city. Many famous Kabbalists of past centuries are buried here. The Karaite cemetery remains abandoned today, as the Karaite community no longer lives in Hebron and does not maintain the site.
After visiting the cemetery, we will explore archaeological excavations and see with our own eyes the ancient street of Hebron — the road that once led through the city gates and was paved approximately 4,000 years ago. According to tradition, the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, together with Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah, once walked these very stones.
We then ascend Tel Rumeida, where medieval tradition places the tomb of Jesse, the father of King David.
Here we will discuss the story of David’s rise to kingship: from his anointing by the Prophet Samuel near Jerusalem during the lifetime of King Saul, to the dramatic events following Saul’s death on Mount Gilboa, culminating here in Hebron, where the people asked David to become king over all Israel.
From Tel Rumeida we descend on foot to the central site of our excursion — the monumental structure built above the Cave of the Patriarchs (Machpelah Cave). Here we will discuss the mysteries surrounding its construction, who may have built it, and what lies beneath the structure.
The memorial sites associated with Abraham and Isaac are located in the Jewish section of the complex, while the memorial associated with Jacob is situated in the Muslim section. Access to the entire complex is granted to Jewish visitors only on specific days of the year.
To conclude the tour, we will visit the restored Avraham Avinu Synagogue, the main synagogue of the Jewish community of Hebron.
