Rachel's Tomb

Dying of physical suffering, Rachel named her newborn son Ben-Oni (Son of My Pain).

The father, however, named his youngest  son Binyamin.

Later he became the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and his descendant  Shaul was recognized by the people as  Israel’s first  king.

Here, by the road, Jacob buried his beloved wife and erected a modest monument upon her grave.

A hundred years later, a tomb was placed on this site, which was repeatedly rebuilt until it acquired its today's aspect.

For many centuries, Mother Rachel's tomb has been a place of pilgrimage for Jews, as well as a holy place for Christians and Muslims.

Inside the tomb structure there is a synagogue and it's always full of praying people. 

The story of Jacob and Rachel became a symbol of tenderness, selfless fight for love and of deep sorrow, and more than once it inspired artists and poets to create powerful works.

These feelings are conveyed most movingly in one of the most famous poems by Ivan Bunin, written by him in 1907 after visiting the Tomb of Rachel.

“She passed away, and was interred by Jacob..."

 And on the tomb, no sight

Of any name, inscription and no mark up

At nighttime, there’s a gleaming feeble light,

And whitewashed with chalk, the grave’s cupola

With enigmatic paleness is attired. 

I’m timidly approaching as the night falls

And kiss the dust and chalk in awe and thrill

Of this tombstone, artless, white, and cold

The sweetest of the earthly words!

Rakhil!