Last Tuesday, I went to Hevron to visit the Cave of Machpelah, where the Patriarchs and Matriarchs (with the exception of Rachel) are buried. Before I left for the Land of Israel, a friend of mine said “Don’t go to Hevron,” fearing the news reports and occasional attacks that happen there. I was glad that I didn’t take her advice. This was the second time I have been to Hevron, and I always feel spiritually refreshed there. Hevron is one of the four holy cities in the land of Israel (although every place here is considered holy, the four main cities have “concentrated” holiness). Each of the holy cities is associated with a certain element. Jerusalem is associated with fire, Tzfat, with air, Teveria with water and Hevron, with Earth. Maybe that is why I feel more “connected” when I return from Hevron, since the city is connected with the element of earth.
The main site in Hevron is the Cave of Machpelah, where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob and Leah are buried. Rachel is buried in another place because she passed away on during the journey. Abraham purchased Hevron 3,000 years ago, and, according to the Torah, Caleb and Joshua prayed at the gravesites of the patriarchs and the matriarchs when they visited the land. This is what strengthened them to resist the influence of the other spies who gave a negative predictions for conquering the Canaanites. The structure built around the cave was built by King Herod over 2,000 years ago, and is the oldest structure of its kind in the world that is still standing. People come to these gravesites to pray, read psalms and to reflect on their lives. It is an incredibly inspiring place to be.
I also visited the grave of Menucha Rochel Slonim, the granddaughter of the first Lubavitcher Rebbe, Schneur Zalman of Liadi, and author of the seminal work on Jewish mysticism, The Tanya. She was a great rebbetzin who performed many acts of kindness, and some miracles. Unfortunately, the graveyard suffers from frequent vandalism, but there are always people who repair the damage, and I believe that the place is protected from Above. There is also a small Chabad house next door, to relax, pray and listen to a lecture.