From early on, Jews from all neighboring Arab countries and of course, the local Jews would come on a "Ziara", a pilgrimage, to the holy places, particularly in the months of Elul and on Yud-Alef Cheshvan, Rachel Imeinu’s Yahrzeit. Whole families would camp out around the ancient domed tomb, with musical instruments, and a festive spirit. The learned men would recite Psalms or study Zohar.



To read the rest of this article, courtesy of Israel Nature & National Parks Protection Authority, see Arutz-7's Travel Page