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.

 

 

 

* Hundreds swarm to grave of Othniel Ben Kenaz

* Tisha Be’av: Hundreds Daven At The Kaver Of First Shofet

* Video: Hundreds of worshipers visit tomb of Otniel Ben-Kenaz

* 400 יהודים התפללו בקבר עתניאל בן קנז בצד הפלסטיני בעיר חברון

* כ-400 מתפללים הגיעו לקבר עתניאל בן קנז

* 400 יהודים התפללו בקבר עתניאל בן קנז

 

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

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