The Cave of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs — or ma'arat hamakhpelah in Hebrew — is the area in Hebron that Abraham purchased as a burial place for his wife Sarah in Genesis 23. As the family tomb of the patriarchs and many of matriarchs of the Jewish people, it is considered a holy site and is a pilgrimage destination and site of prayer.
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Abraham's First Land PurchaseTANAKH
Abraham's First Land Purchase
TANAKH
The legal transaction of the Cave of Machpelah marks Abraham's first ownership of land in Canaan, establishing a significant ancestral burial site. The book of Genesis details Abraham's purchase of the Cave of Machpelah from the Hittites, emphasizing its importance as a family tomb for the patriarchs and matriarchs.
The Spiritual Activities of the Patriarchs and MatriarchsMUSAR
The Spiritual Activities of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs
MUSAR
The resting place of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs is a site of ongoing spiritual activity where they pray for Israel daily. In the 17th-century ethical and mystical work Kav HaYashar, Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Kaidanover describes the divine wind that awakens the Patriarchs and Matriarchs to pray, with the prophet Eliyahu washing their hands before each prayer.
The Battle for Jacob's BurialMIDRASH
The Battle for Jacob's Burial
MIDRASH
When Jacob's descendants arrived at the Cave of the Patriarchs, Esau confronted them, wielding Mount Hor as a threat, prepared to provoke conflict. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a midrashic text elaborating on biblical stories, details the dramatic resolution that ensued, involving Esau and Chushim, the son of Dan.
Jacob's Burial ConfrontationTARGUM
Jacob's Burial Confrontation
TARGUM
The dramatic confrontation over Jacob's burial culminates in a violent and symbolic resolution. The Targum Jonathan, an Aramaic translation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, expands on the biblical narrative with additional details and moral lessons.
Negotiating the Cave of MachpelahMIDRASH
Negotiating the Cave of Machpelah
MIDRASH
The transaction between Jacob and Esau over the Cave of Machpelah reveals the intricate material and familial negotiations involved in securing this significant burial site. The Midrash Tanchuma Buber, a collection of homiletic teachings, delves into the relationship between Jacob and Esau, focusing on their interactions and the importance of the Cave of Machpelah.
The Structure of the Patriarchal Burial SiteTALMUD
The Structure of the Patriarchal Burial Site
TALMUD
The architectural structure of the burial site of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs is a subject of rabbinic debate. The Talmudic tractate Eruvin records a dispute between Rav and Shmuel about whether the site consists of two rooms or a room with a second story above it.
The Significance of Kiryat ArbaCOMMENTARY
The Significance of Kiryat Arba
COMMENTARY
The name 'Kiryat Arba' (Hebron) holds deep historical and spiritual significance, either due to the four giants who lived there or the four couples buried there. Rashi, the renowned medieval French rabbi, provides a foundational commentary on the Torah, offering historical and textual insights into the name 'Kiryat Arba' and its significance.
The Mystery of MachpelahCOMMENTARY
The Mystery of Machpelah
COMMENTARY
The name 'Machpelah' and its historical significance have been debated by Jewish scholars for centuries. Jacob ben Asher, in his 14th-century Torah commentary, explores the miraculous events associated with the Cave of the Patriarchs.
Securing the Ancestral Burial SiteCOMMENTARY
Securing the Ancestral Burial Site
COMMENTARY
Jacob went to great lengths to ensure his burial in the ancestral burial site, meticulously detailing the legal and transactional aspects to prevent any future disputes. The medieval Torah commentary Daat Zkenim by the Tosafists provides an in-depth look at Jacob's burial request and the purchase agreement between Abraham, Efron, and the townspeople.
The Patriarchs' LegacyHALAKHAH
The Patriarchs' Legacy
HALAKHAH
The Jewish claim to significant historical sites is rooted in their purchase by the patriarchs, countering any claims of illegitimacy by other nations. Rabbi J. David Bleich explores the legal and historical legitimacy of Jewish claims to these sacred sites.
Abraham's NegotiationMIDRASH
Abraham's Negotiation
MIDRASH
The negotiation between Abraham and Ephron reveals the complexities and subtleties of ancient transactions, showcasing Ephron's deceit and the formalization of the deal with a signed deed. Louis Ginzberg's early 20th-century work, Legends of the Jews, provides a detailed narrative of this significant biblical event.
The Purchased HeritageREFERENCE
The Purchased Heritage
REFERENCE
The burial sites of the Patriarchs, the Temple, and Joseph's grave were all purchased by the Jewish patriarchs, establishing their rightful ownership. Gershom Bader's early 20th-century work details the monetary transactions and legal ownership of these significant Jewish historical sites.
Unveiling the SacrednessCOMMENTARY
Unveiling the Sacredness
COMMENTARY
The Cave of the Patriarchs is a unique place of prayer due to the presence of the graves of the patriarchs. Shabbetai ben Joseph Bass, in his 17th-century supercommentary Siftei Chakhamim, elaborates on Rashi’s interpretation of the significance of this sacred site.
The Burial of AbrahamSECOND TEMPLE
The Burial of Abraham
SECOND TEMPLE
Abraham's burial in Hebron by his sons Isaac and Ishmael underscores his unparalleled virtue and the divine honor he received. Josephus, a 1st-century Jewish historian, provides a detailed account of Abraham's death and burial in his historical work.
The Historical Significance of MachpelahCOMMENTARY
The Historical Significance of Machpelah
COMMENTARY
Understanding the historical and geographical context of Machpelah ensures its identification and ownership by the Jewish people. Radak, a renowned 12th-century biblical commentator, provides a thorough historical and geographical analysis of Machpelah in Hebron.