At dawn, thousands gathered in Hebron’s Cave of the Patriarchs for a powerful Hallel prayer led by Chief Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu.
A magnificent scene of devotion unfolded at sunrise on Wednesday as thousands of Jews streamed into Hebron’s sacred Cave of the Patriarchs (Ma’arat HaMachpelah) to participate in the Vatikin — the early morning Hallel prayer marking the festival. The moving service was led by Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, the esteemed Chief Rabbi of Safed, whose powerful words and prayers echoed through the ancient stone halls that have witnessed Jewish faith for millennia.
Eyal Gelman, head of the Hebron Council, expressed deep pride and anticipation as crowds continued to arrive throughout the morning.
“We are looking forward to tens of thousands who will be coming to Hebron throughout the holiday,” Gelman said, “to strengthen — and be strengthened — by our Patriarchs.”
The Cave of the Patriarchs, revered as the burial site of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah, remains one of the holiest sites in Judaism — and a living symbol of the unbroken Jewish bond to the Land of Israel.
Despite security challenges and years of international pressure, Jewish worship in Hebron continues to grow stronger, drawing pilgrims from across Israel and the diaspora who come to pray, give thanks, and reaffirm their eternal connection to the forefathers of the Jewish nation.
As the sun rose above the ancient city, voices joined in the joyous chants of Hallel, transforming the site into a beacon of unity, resilience, and faith — a powerful reminder that the spirit of Israel is eternal, and its roots in Hebron are unshakable.
