Who Lies Beneath: The Mystery of Rabbi Akiva's Wife's Tomb in Tiberias

"What's Mine and Yours is Hers"

He agreed, and they wed. Her father was furious, disowned her, and cut her off from his wealth. Nonetheless, Rachel was happy with her husband and urged him to pursue Torah study. At age 40, Akiva went to study in a yeshiva. The couple lived in poverty, residing in a straw barn. As he advanced in his studies, Rachel sent him back to yeshiva while she continued to live in poverty with their children..

After 12 years of study, Rabbi Akiva returned home, now a learned scholar, only to overhear Rachel telling a neighbor that if it were up to her, she would let him study another 12 years. Hearing this, Rabbi Akiva did not enter his home and returned to the yeshiva.

Another 12 years passed before Rabbi Akiva, now among the greatest scholars of his generation, returned home with thousands of disciples. Rachel tried to approach and greet him, but the students pushed the poor woman back. Seeing this, Rabbi Akiva told them, "What's mine and yours is hers.".

The Legend of the "Wise Lady": A Tale of Centuries

Jewish traditions, over 450 years old, claim Rachel is buried in Tiberias, whereas a Muslim tradition alleges the site is the burial place of Sukaina, the granddaughter of Mohammed. The earliest Muslim reference dates back to the early 13th century by geographer Al-Hamawi, who noted a grave outside Tiberias pointed out by locals as Sukaina's burial site. However, he added, "The truth is that her grave is not here but in Medina." Later, two marble plaques were installed, stating the burial site belongs to Sukaina..

Rabbi Eshtori Haparchi, who visited the location in the mid-14th century, referred to it as the tomb of the "wise lady." Linguists believe he confused the name Sukaina..

Early 16th century writings by Rabbi Moshe Basola suggest otherwise. In his "Book of Travels," during his visit to Tiberias, he records: "The Ishmaelites also have a structure with a large white tower, which they believe is where the wife of Rabbi Akiva, the daughter of Kalba Savua, is buried, and they call her the wise lady" (as quoted in "Journeys in the Land of Israel" by Abraham Yaari).

Traveler Chaim Halevi Horowitz wrote in "Chibat Yerushalayim" that Muslims believe this site is Rabbi Akiva's wife's burial place, Kalba Savua's daughter: "They call her the wise lady, and a building named after her still stands."

In 1994, Rabbi Rafael Cohen of Tiberias took custody of the site. Muslim signs were removed, and the place was renovated and restored. Today, it features a dignified monument where congregations occasionally gather..

Recently, during site maintenance, a well was uncovered. Stories tell that those who drink its waters receive blessings..

Beside the men's prayer section is a centuries-old Torah scroll, once used in Rabbi David and Moshe's synagogue in Morocco. It's considered invalid for reading, so the Buskila family placed it here. Reading the Priestly Blessing from this scroll is believed to bestow numerous blessings.

Osher Nedivi is a certified tour guide. For feedback or comments: editor.nelech@gmail.com