Opening and closing dates for Cave of the Patriarchs & Matriarchs 2025 (5785/5786)
The site is reserved for ten days a year for Jewish services and for ten days a year for Muslim services. Dates subject to change.
* Dates reserved for Jewish prayer services including the Hall of Isaac and Rebecca.
Tuesday April 15, 2025 – Chol Hamoed Passover
Wednesday April 16, 2025 – Chol Hamoed Passover
Thursday August 21, 2025 – Rosh Hodesh Elul eve
Tuesday September 23, 2025 – Rosh Hashana
Tuesday September 30, 2025 – Ten Days of Repentance
Thursday October 2, 2025 – Yom Kippur (starting Wednesday at 3:00pm)
Wednesday October 8, 2025 – Chol Hamoed Succot
Thursday October 9, 2025 – Chol Hamoed Succot
Tuesday October 26, 2025 – Post-Simchat Torah Second Hakafot eve
Saturday November 15, 2025 – Shabbat Chayei Sarah (starting Friday at 3:00pm)
** Dates reserved for Muslim prayer services. Jewish prayers will be held outside at the Seventh Step garden.
Monday January 27, 2025 – Isra and Mi’raj
Friday March 9, 2025 – Ramadan
Friday March 14, 2025 – Ramadan (Purim)
Friday March 21, 2025 – Ramadan
Wednesday March 26, 2025 – Laylat al-Qadr (closing at 8:30am, opening the next day at 10:00am)
Friday March 28, 2025 – Ramadan
Monday March 31, 2025 – Eid al-Fitr
Friday June 6, 2025 – Eid al-Adha
Saturday June 28, 2025 Islamic New Year
Saturday September 6, 2025
Due to the nature of the Muslim calendar there may be changes in the opening and closing dates. It is recommended to confirm by calling the office at 050-647-7776 or 050-6477744.
During regular days, the Maarat HaMachpela (Cave of Machpela) complex has separate Jewish and Muslim entrances with separate prayer areas. The agreement between the Islamic Waqf and Israeli government allows for ten days a year for each group to reserve the complex. During these days, Jewish prayer books, desks, chairs, etc. are removed to prevent vandalism. On the Muslim side, the carpets are rolled up and stored. Most holidays go smoothly with coordination between the IDF, Waqf and emergency medical services from both the Israeli and PA sides of the city assisting when needed.
Normal opening and closing hours:
Winter time – 4:00am – 8:45pm
Summer time – 4:00am – 9:45pm
The outdoor plaza and Seventh Step garden is open 24-hours a day.
