Places of Interest BACK

Beit el-Khalil (House of the Friend): signposted at northern entrance to Hebron. The Hebrew name is Alonei Mamre (Oaks of Mamre). This is where Abraham built an altar (Genesis 13:18). An ancient well, more than 5 m. in diameter, is referred to as Abraham's Well. Perhaps also where David reigned, as archaeological excavations show signs of towers and walls from Davidic kingdom and early monarchy. Two-metre-thick stone wall enclosing area 60 m.
wide and 83 m. long constructed by Herod, possibly as place of worship or walled compound serving later as market place or caravanserai. Hadrian chose site to sell remnants of Bar Kochba's army into slavery. Ground reconsecrated by Constantine with Basilica of the Terebinth of Mamre, foundations of which are still visible. Desolate since Arab conquest in 7th century.

Cave of Machpelah: burial cave of Adam and Eve, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their wives, Sarah, Rebecca and Leah. Cave purchased by Abraham, according to Genesis 23, for 400 silver shekels. Base of Herodian wall below additions by Crusaders. Entrance to cave sealed and denoted by brass plate below small dome in same room containing cenotaph to Isaac and Rebecca. Formerly synagogue and Byzantine chapel. Church of St. Abraham under Crusaders. Mosque since 13th century. A synagogue was re-established there in 1967. Walls decorated with quotations from Koran. Cenotaph to Joseph in separate room across courtyard.

Kiryat Arba: Jewish settlement on northern perimeter of city. Founded by religious Jews who spent Passover 1968 living in the Park Hotel in Hebron and later moved to the Military Government compound before being permitted to establish permanent housing.

Municipal Museum: Main Street. Pottery, glass and other objects depicting artifacts in daily use in Hebron and vicinity during successive centuries. Open: daily 7.30 a.m. - 2.30 p.m. Entrance fee.

Oak of Abraham: 2 km. south of turn-off to Well of Abraham. Ancient oak tree within grounds of Russian monastery. Held by some to be the tree under which Abraham was visited by three men and told of the impending birth of Isaac (Genesis 18). However, others claim that the original was at Beit el-Khalil and was torn away in pieces by early pilgrims seeking souvenirs.

Tomb of Abner: opposite entrance to the Cave of Machpelah. Gloomy cave lit by candles. Abner was slain in Hebron by David's jealous commander-in-chief-to-be, Joab (2 Samuel 3:27), and was mourned by King David as ``a prince and a great man.''