The old tradition of holding a “Hillula” for Moshe Rabeinu in Hebron was revived this Monday Feb. 27, 2023. Locals and visitors from around the country sang and danced in the Cave of the Patriarchs & Matriarchs complex for the 7th of Adar celebration, which according to tradition, is the birthday and date of passing of Moses.

The Torah does not reveal to us the place of his burial, however, various sources in the Midrash and other Jewish sources shed some light on the subject and add fascinating details: Moses longed to enter the Land of Israel but could not. He died and was buried in the land of Moab.

According to one tradition, after his burial, angels carry him to the Cave of Machpela in Hebron, where he joins the Patriarchs & Matriarchs.

Another states he was buried in an unknown grave across the Jordan river but there is an underground tunnel that connects to the Cave of the Patriarchs & Matriarchs.

Either way, in accordance with this tradition, over the generations, many Jews used to visit the Cave of the Patriarchs on the 7th of Adar.

During the restrictions during the 700 years of Ottoman rule, many worshipers had to change their destination to the Tomb of Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron. But the source of the tradition is precisely related to the Cave of the Patriarchs.
This year at an auspicious time, a tradition was  renewed.

Thank you to the Ministry for Development of the Negev and the Galilee, the Kiryat Arba and Hebron local councils and religious council, and everyone else who worked on this special event.

The legendary klezmer musician Moshe “Mussa" Berlin, known for his Lag BaOmer performances in Meron performed along with a full band.

The Cave of the Patriarchs remained open until 11:00 p.m. to accommodate this special free event.

 

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