Visiting Holy Burial Sites in Central and Southern Israel

Holy Sites in Central Israel

Grave of Shimon Ben Yaakov

Location: Between Kfar Saba and the Arab village of Qalqilya. Reach the town of Tzofim, and after about 100 meters, turn right onto the dirt road. Follow the signs to the site near Kokhav Yair on Route Six.

About the Sage: The second son of Yaakov Avinu and Leah Imenu. His name, Shimon, was chosen by Leah who said: "...Because Hashem has heard that I am unloved, He has given me this son as well." He was born on the 28th of Tevet, though another opinion states the 21st of Tevet.

Grave of Shimon Ben Yaakov

Grave of Rabban Gamliel

Location: Sanhedrin Garden, Hagivati Brigade Street, Yavne.

About the Sage: A Tanna who served as President of the Sanhedrin after succeeding his father, Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel the Elder. During the Roman revolt, he was part of the moderate camp but was still persecuted because they wanted Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai to take his place. He is frequently mentioned in sources for his dedication to Torah and Jewish law alongside sages like Rabbi Yehoshua, Rabbi Eliezer, and Rabbi Akiva.

Grave of Rabban Gamliel

Grave of Yehuda Ben Yaakov Avinu

Location: Independence Park, Yehud.

About the Sage: The fourth son of Yaakov Avinu and Leah Imenu, and leader of the tribes. He was granted kingship for admitting his actions regarding Tamar before a public audience: "She is more righteous than I." His descendants are named the Jewish people after him. He passed away in Egypt and was later brought to Israel.

Grave of the Amora Rabbi Abbahu

Location: Archaeological site, Caesarea.

About the Sage: A judge and scholar from the Amoraic period, residing in Caesarea, then the Roman capital. He maintained close ties with the Roman authorities and traveled far to advocate for his fellow Jews, engaging in debates with various groups. Upon his passing, he was granted the vision of 13 rivers of balsam assigned to him in the afterlife. Shocked by this honor, he asked: "For whom is all this?" They told him, "All this is for Rabbi Abbahu," to which he replied, "For all this, I thought my efforts were in vain."

Grave of Matityahu Ben Yochanan the High Priest

Location: On the Tel Aviv-Modiin road, follow the signs to the Maccabees Graves.

About the Sage: A priest, leader, and military strategist, founder of the Hasmonean dynasty, also known as 'Matityahu the Hasmonean'. His fervor for Hashem led him to spearhead the revolt against the Greeks and Hellenists, committing to spiritual integrity and observance of commandments, even executing Jews who attempted to convert. Both he and his sons destroyed altars for idol worship and fought to reverse Antiochus's oppressive edicts.

Grave of Matityahu Ben Yochanan the High Priest

Holy Sites in Southern Israel

Grave of Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, the Baba Sali - in Netivot

Location: At the western entrance of the city of Netivot, adjacent to the cemetery.

About the Sage: Known as Baba Sali, Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira was a descendant of the Abuhatzeira lineage of renowned rabbis and miracle workers. He was born on Rosh Hashanah in Rissani, Morocco, to Rabbi Masoud and the modest and virtuous Morat Isha. Understanding his son's holy soul from birth, Rabbi Masoud stationed scholars at the maternity ward to bless Yisrael's sanctity, allowing him to eventually dedicate himself to Torah study. Many miracles are attributed to Baba Sali, though he humbly concealed his capabilities and virtues.

Grave of Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, the Baba Sali

Grave of Jonah the Prophet in Ashdod

Location: Ashdod.

About the Sage: Jonah the Prophet was tasked by Hashem to go to Nineveh and warn its inhabitants of their impending destruction due to their sinful acts. Instead, he chose to evade this mission by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish. The sea raged because of his disobedience, threatening to sink the vessel. The crew cast lots, identifying Jonah as the cause of the storm, and decided to cast him into the sea. Even then, Hashem watched over him, orchestrating a miracle by sending a great fish to swallow and save him from drowning. While in the fish's belly, Jonah prayed: "In my distress I called to Hashem, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me... When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Hashem."