Thousands Pray at Joseph's Tomb in Daytime Visit
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Thousands prayed at Joseph's Tomb in Nablus during daytime hours.
- This marks the first such visit with the "four species" in decades.
- The event is part of an effort to expand access and re-establish a yeshiva.
- Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the expanded visiting hours.
- Officials called for full return of the yeshiva and raising the Israeli flag.
Thousands of Israelis entered Joseph's Tomb in Nablus (Shechem) on Thursday morning for a mass prayer service, marking the first daytime visit with the "four species" in decades. The event, held on the occasion of the "Ushpizin" (guests) of Joseph the Righteous, was part of an initiative led by Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan and MK Zvi Sukkot to expand access hours to the holy site.
The expanded access follows a decision by Defense Minister Israel Katz to allow entry during daylight hours. The initiative was also significantly influenced by Rabbi Dudu Ben Nathan, father of soldier Shoval Ben Nathan, who fell in battle in southern Lebanon and was an activist for returning to Joseph's Tomb. Following his son's death, Rabbi Ben Nathan continued to advocate for increased access.
The morning prayers, which included the use of the "four species" (etrog, lulav, hadas, aravot) customary during the Sukkot holiday, took place in two rounds. The Samaria Regional Council, with assistance from volunteers and IDF approval, facilitated the entry. Among the attendees were Dagan, MKs Zvi Sukkot, Erez Malul, and Uriel Buso, as well as senior military and security officials including Major General Avi Bluth, commander of the Central Command.
Dagan stated that the daytime visit is a "particularly moving and symbolic moment" and represents a significant change after 25 years of advocacy. He called on the Israeli government to approve the full return of the "Ohr Yosef Chai" yeshiva to the site and to raise the Israeli flag there. MK Sukkot echoed this sentiment, urging the Prime Minister to issue the order for the full return before the upcoming elections.
The expansion of visiting hours is part of a broader plan to re-establish a permanent presence at Joseph's Tomb and to reopen the "Ohr Yosef Chai" yeshiva within the complex. Rabbi Yossi Elizur, head of the "Ohr Yosef Chai" yeshiva, expressed readiness to return daily and emphasized Joseph the Righteous's role in uniting people.
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