Hebron is best known as the location of the Cave of Machpela, burial site of the Jewish Matriarchs and Patriarchs. But other Biblical figures are buried in the city as well. One of these is Otniel Ben Knaz (also spelled Othniel or Osniel).
Once easily accessible, the site is now off limits since the division of the city in 1997.
On Sunday this week, over 400 people crossed the border from the Israeli side of Hebron into the Palestinian Authority side to break their Tisha B'Av fast at the holy site.
Otniel was the first of the Biblical Judges who took command of the Jewish people after the death of Joshua.
The special event was arranged in conjunction with the Israel Defense Forces and the PA. The burial chamber is located inside an old stone building, and corresponds to the specifications of Second temple Era Jewish burial practices as described in the Mishna. Today, the cave is empty, and crowds gathered to light candles and recite prayers in the dark chamber.
The group recited evening prayers before breaking their fast on watermelon and crackers.
Despite the 1997 Hebron Accords allowing for equal access to Jewish holy sites, this and other places in the Palestinian Authority side are off limits to Israelis except on special occasions and with prior coordination with the Israel Defense Force and the PA.
הערב במהדורה: תיעוד כניסת מתפללים לקבר עתניאל בן קנזאתמול התקיימה כניסת מתפללים לקברו של עתניאל בן קנז, השופט הראשון שקם לבני ישראל לאחר מותו של יהושע בן נון. מתחם הקבר ממוקם בלב העיר חברון ועל כן הכניסה למתחם דרשה אבטחה כבדה. התיעוד המלא של האירוע הערב ב-19:57 במהדורה >
Posted by ערוץ 20 on Monday, July 23, 2018
NOTES:
VISIT HEBRON TODAY!
United States contact info:
http://www.hebronfund.org
1760 Ocean Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11230
718-677-6886
info@hebronfund.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hebronofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hebronfund
Israeli contact info:
http://en.hebron.org.il/
02-996-5333
office@hebron.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hebron.machpela
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hebronvideo
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES:
* The Cave of Othniel Ben Knaz - First Judge of Israel
* Kentucky Fried Chicken in Hebron - The Region's Most Economically Advanced City
* Tomb of Abner Ben Ner
United States contact info:
http://www.hebronfund.org
1760 Ocean Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11230
718-677-6886
info@hebronfund.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hebronofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hebronfund
Israeli contact info:
http://en.hebron.org.il/
02-996-5333
office@hebron.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hebron.machpela
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hebronvideo
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES:
* The Cave of Othniel Ben Knaz - First Judge of Israel
* Kentucky Fried Chicken in Hebron - The Region's Most Economically Advanced City
* Tomb of Abner Ben Ner
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