Selichot in Hevron
Selichot in HevronMiri Tzachi

Thousands of Jews from all walks of life across Israel flocked to the holy city of Hevron Tuesday night, to take part in selichot prayers at the Cave of the Patriarchs (Me'arat Hamachpela).

Selichot are special prayers of repentance recited by Jews in the run-up to the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah (New Year) and Yom Kippur - the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, also known as the Day of Judgement.

The Cave of the Patriarchs is the final resting place of the Biblical patriarchs Avraham, Yitzhak and Yaakov, (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) as well as the matriarchs Sarah, Rivka (Rebeccah) and Leah. According to some traditions it is also the burial place of Adam and Chavah (Eve).

Picture credits: Miri Tzachi