Newsletter

The Cave of Machpelah

When Abraham's wife Sarah died, he negotiated with Ephron the Hittite to buy the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron for her burial. 400 shekels was the agreed-upon price and Sarah was laid to rest in the cave.  Subsequently Abraham was also buried in the cave, as was Isaac and Jacob and Rebecca and Leah.  Only Rachel, of all the patriarchs and matriarchs is buried elsewhere...in Bethlehem where she died giving birth to Benjamin.

This site, which someone has called "one of the most important pieces of real estate in the world" has had a tumultuous history. Over the centuries the Jews, the Crusaders and the Muslims have all fought to control  the site.

We visited primarily because the city is famous for Hebron glass.  We talked with the manager of a glass-blowing factory about producing some items that could be featured on the WorldCrafts web site.  (Lynne asks: "Who says shopping is not a spiritual gift?")

Our very good friend Kristi Griem manages the WorldCrafts initiative which is extremely helpful in providing markets for handicrafts for poor artisans.  Go to the WorldCrafts Village web site to see the products from around the world.  When you purchase from WorldCrafts, you assist in providing for the families of more than 60 artisan groups around the world who live in poverty.

However, since we were in the city of Hebron, we wanted to see the Cave of the Patriarchs.

When we arrived, we realized the unusual configuration of this shrine. In an odd and uncomfortable arrangement, the major part of the building above the cave remains a mosque...but part of it is a synagogue. So, the shrine has two separate entrances--one for Muslims and one for Jews.  But all other categories (like us) can use either entrance.

We had intended to enter on the mosque side, but we arrived during mid-day prayers, so that made it necessary to walk around the security fences, around the building and through the security gates...to enter the synagogue side.  Honestly, there's not much to see.  The cave is 35 feet below and the major part of the shrine is on the mosque side...which we could barely see through a small window.  Such is the state of separation at the Cave of the Patriarchs.

 

So the Cave of the Patriarchs becomes a microcosm for Israel and Palestine--two races (both descended from Abraham) living in close proximity, but in a climate of animosity and antagonism.  Both should hear the voice of the One who said: "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace!"

To see more pictures of Hebron click here.

Copyright 2009 CV Travel

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations..."

Matthew 28:19

"The harvest is plentiful...but the laborers are few."

A Division of CVTravel

Click here to return to home page