Rachel's Tomb In Bethlehem: A Woman's Night Prayer

Night prayer at Rachel's tomb. On any given night, orthodox Jews fill the small space surrounding the old grave. Rachel's tomb is in Bethlehem close to Jerusalem about 1 1/2 hour from Tel Aviv. / © 2010

On any night, Rachel's tomb is filled with orthodox Jews praying. For women it has a special meaning. Last night I was visiting and a group of women were kneading dough to make challa rolls for their congregation. Making the bread at the tomb meant something special and they said a special prayer for friends. Overhearing some of the women, one said a prayer for a woman looking for a husband and another for a better paying job. Some said prayers for their children and their neighbors. People flowed in until 10 PM, closing time. There was even a tour bus around 9 PM, apparently they came from a Jerusalem hotel and only half of the group wanted to go.

I don't want to get too political or patriotic here. But there is a lost element in people who do not see Israel with their own eyes. These are not just foreigners, it's also Israelis. Israel has many places which have meaning to people. The religious have the places referred to in the bible. The patriotic and Zionist is the places with significance to starting the state. To the veterans places where battles took place, not just the modern ones. There are hundreds of places which people attached strong emotions to over the years. These places attract common Israelis who just want to be there, maybe say a prayer or take a picture. This is something that is lost on most tourists and Israelis. Rachel's tomb is such a place. It is small and simple. But to some women Rachel was a special woman in the Jewish tradition. Rachel's tomb is also a place Muslim women go to pray for an easy birth. Some also pray for fertility and to find a good mate.

Rachel's tomb is in Bethlehem a few minutes drive south of Jerusalem. From Tel Aviv it is about an hour and a half drive. There are buses from Jerusalem and you can also find organized trips through synagogues and religious organizations. Organized trips are about 50 Shekels. Taxi trips from Jerusalem are 50 to 100 Shekels depending where you start. From central Jerusalem the trip is about 20 minutes. Bethlehem has been safe the last two years but tourists are advised to go with a tour or directly by taxi.

British mandate stamp with Rachel's Tomb picture (from Wikipedia)