The Tomb of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs / Cave of Machpela (Maarat HaMachpela) has separate sections designated for Jewish and Muslim prayer services with separate entrances.
For 10 days a year, the site is reserved for Jewish prayers and for another ten days the sites is reserved for Muslim prayers, corresponding to their respective holidays and special occasions. During Jewish holidays the Hall of Isaac and Rebecca, the largest in the complex is open for Jewish worshipers. This hall contains the opening into the actual cave.
On Muslim holidays, Jewish books, Hebrew signs, and other ritual items are removed and stored to prevent vandalism. Jewish prayers are held outside at the Seventh Step garden.
On Jewish holidays, Muslim prayer rugs, carpets and Arabic signs are removed and Islamic prayers are held outside by the western entrance. Medics from both Israel and the Palestinian Authority are on hand to assist in case of need.
Dates subject to change:
* Dates reserved for Jewish prayers at the Tomb of Machpela including Hall of Isaac & Rebecca. *
– Sunday 18th of Nissan 5786 / April 5, 2026 – Chol Hamoed Passover
– Monday 19th of Nissan 5786 / April 6, 2026 – Chol Hamoed Passover
– Wednesday 29th of Av 5786 / August 12, 2026 – Rosh Hodesh Elul eve
– Saturday 1st of Tishri 5787 / September 12, 2026 – Rosh Hashana
– Thursday 6th of Tishri 5787 / September 17, 2026 – Slichot, Ten Days of Repentance
– Monday 10th of Tishri 5787 / September 21, 2026 – Yom Kippur, starting Sunday at 3:00pm
– Monday 17th of Tishri 5787 / September 28, 2026 – Chol Hamoed Succot
– Tuesday 18th of Tishri 5787 / September 29, 2026 – Chol Hamoed Sukkot
– Saturday 22nd of Tishri 5787 / October 3, 2026 – post-Simchat Torah eve, Second Hakafot
– Saturday 27th of Cheshvan 5787 / November 7, 2026 – Shabbat Chayei Sarah, starting Friday at 3:00pm
* Dates reserved for Muslim prayers at the Tomb of Machpela *
– Saturday 25th of Tevat 5786 / January 17, 2026 – Isra and Meraj
– Friday 3rd of Adar 5786 / February 20, 2026 – Ramadan
– Friday 10th of Adar 5786 / February 27, 2026 – Ramadan
– Friday 17th of Adar 5786 / March 6, 2026 – Ramadan
– Friday 23rd of Adar 5786 / March 13, 2026 – Ramadan
– Sunday 26th of Adar 5786 / March 15, 2026 – Laylat al Qadr, from 8:30am – Monday 10:00am
– Friday 2nd of Nissan 5786 / March 20, 2026 – Eid Al Fitr
– Wednesday 11th of Sivan 5786 / May 27, 2026 – Eid al Adha
– Tuesday 1st of Tammuz 5786 / June 16, 2026 – Muharram
– Tuesday 12th of Elul 5786 / August 8, 2026 –
Due to the nature of the Muslim calendar there may be changes. Call 050-647-7776 or 050-647-7744 for more information. We welcome visitors of all faiths to visit and enjoy this 2,000-year-old historic wonder on holidays and throughout the year. To book a tour click here.
