Opening and closing of the Cave of the Patriarchs – 2018

The Tomb of Machpela is the 2,000-year-old structure that covers the
underground cave of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs.  It contains both a synagogue
area and a mosque area with each side being managed separately with separate
entrances.

 

For ten days a year, the Muslim area of the Tomb of the Patriarchs is open
for Jewish prayer services and for another ten days, the Jewish area is open for Muslim
prayer services. This gives each side free access to otherwise off-limits sections,
although certain sections are off limits even during these special
days.

 

During normal days, the complex is divided into Jewish and Muslim areas with
the Hall of Isaac and Rebecca reserved for Muslim prayers. This hall contains the small
opening into the underground caves, known as the “entrance to the Garden of
Eden.” 

 

 

Summer time – every day from 4:00 AM until 10:00 PM.

Winter time – every day from 4:00 AM until 9:00 PM.

 

 

Erev Rosh Chodesh Elul (early) – Thursday, August 9, 2018

Rosh Hashanah – Monday Sep. 10, 2018 and Tuesday, Sep. 11, 2018 

Ten Days of Repentance – Sunday, Sep. 16, 2018

Yom Kippur – Wednesday, Sep. 19, 2018

Succot (two days) – Tuesday Sep. 25, 2018 and Wednesday Sep. 26, 2018

Shabbat Chayei Sarah – Saturday, November 3, 2018

Pesach (two days) – exact dates will be updated later

 

The Cave of the Patriarchs is open to Muslims only on the following
days:

 

Isra and Mi’raj – Saturday, April 14, 2018

Start of Ramadan Month – Friday May 18, 2018

Ramadan – Friday, May 25, 2018

Ramadan – Friday, June 1, 2018

Ramadan – Friday, June 8, 2018

Laylat al-Qadr – Sunday, June 10, 2018

Eid Al Fitr – Thursday, June 14, 2018

Eid al Adha – Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Prophet’s Birthday – Wednesday, November 21, 2018

 

Regarding Muslim holidays, there may be shifts of one or two days. It is
recommended to check the exact time in advance.

 

On the days when the Cave of the Patriarchs is closed to non-Muslims, it is
still possible to visit, and pray outside at the Seventh Step garden. This is the
location where Jews prayed during the 700 years the complex was off limits to all
non-Muslims starting with the Mamluke period.

 

This arrangement has been coordinated for the past 20 years between the
Muslim Waqf and the Israeli government. During these days, Jewish prayer books, desks,
chairs, etc. are removed and stored, whereas on the Muslim side, the carpets are rolled
up and stored. Most holidays go smoothly with coordination between the IDF, Wafq
and emergency medical services but in the past, during Muslim holidays vandalism has
taken place and mezuzahs have been removed and destroyed. 

 

For any additional inquiry and for coordinating events and celebrations, the
Cave of the Patriarchs staff is at your service 050-647-7776.