The Cave of Patriarchs & Matriarchs/ The Ibrahimi Mosque



This holy place is THE jewel of Hebron.  It is the main reason why Hebron has been, is, and will always be an important city, from a spiritual point of view.  The Cave/Mosque is the shared treasure of all Hebronites.  It is considered very important for both religious Muslims and religious Jews. 
Why?  Because Abraham (father of both people), his wife Sarah, their son Isaac, his wife Rivka, Isaac & Rivka's son Jacob and his wife Leah are buried there.

The Machpelah synagogue/ Ibrahimi mosque

As you go up the stairs, entrance to the synagogue will be to your left.

Entrance to the mosque is further to your left, down on the street level.

Entrance to the Cave itself is usually possible during the day and part of the night.  It is free of charge.

Please note that, for practical reasons, the building is divided into 2 distinct parts:
--- a mosque: the Ibrahimi mosque  (al haram al Ibrahimi) - named after Abraham, the father of both the Muslim and the Jewish people.  The mosque takes up about 80% of the building. 
--- a synagogue: the Cave of Patriarchs ( Ma'arat haMachpelah) - in honor of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rivka, Jacob and Leah, fathers & mothers of the Jewish people.  The synagogue itself takes up about 20% of the building.

The cenotaph of Abraham,

father of the Jewish people and the Muslim people.

On a typical day, the mosque is open to Muslims and Christians.  The synagogue is open to Jews and Christians.  As a result, if, for example, you are a Christian tourist, you can visit the entire place.  You will probably be asked what your religion is as you approach the entrance of the holy site.  Do not be surprised, this is standard procedure. 

Girls and women visiting the Ibrahimi mosque will need to cover their hair.  It is best to plan ahead and bring your own hijab (headscarf); otherwise, you can borrow one at the entrance to the mosque. 

Hair-covering is not required for women in the synagogue, but men will be expected to wear a kipa (jewish head-covering for men); if you don't have your own, you can borrow one at the entrance. 

Please note that things do change during the major Muslim and Jewish holidays.  The entire building will be open to Muslims on the major Muslim holidays, and to them only.  The same is true for Jews during the major Jewish holidays. 

You can bring your camera: you are allowed to take pictures inside both the synagogue and the mosque.