Hevron's Jewish community is preparing to welcome thousands of Jews this week, when the Hebrew month of Elul begins. Elul is the last month in the Jewish calendar and traditionally is noted by repentance and Torah study in advance of the New Year and Yom Kippur holidays the following month.
The Cave of the Patriarchs in Hevron is the focus of prayers and Torah study, which will be occurring at the same time the government plans to expel four more families from the Jewish community of Hevron. Others were expelled last week.
The platform of the Kadima party, which heads the coalition government, officially supports a strong Jewish presence in Hevron.