News for worshippers at Rabbi Shimon’s grave in Meron: new, accessible, modern restrooms opened

After years of planning and construction, a new, spacious and modern restroom facility for men was inaugurated this week near the main entrance to the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron. The project, built by the Ministry of Religious Services under Director-General Rabbi Yehuda Avidan, with the assistance of the Sapir Foundation in Israel through the foundation’s representative in Israel, Yair Tornheim, the district planning committee and the Five-Member Committee for the management of the grave of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, is part of a plan to upgrade the infrastructure and services at the holy site for the benefit of worshippers and visitors.

The new facility provides a dignified response for the hundreds of thousands who ascend to Meron throughout the year, especially during peak periods, and replaces the temporary restroom system that had operated until now near the site. Dozens of new, spacious and equipped restroom stalls have been made available to the public, allowing for a more comfortable and dignified visit. As part of the project, extensive infrastructure work and a significant upgrade of the restroom area were carried out, as part of the ongoing effort to improve service, accessibility and the well-being of visitors at the site.

The location of the restrooms was chosen in consultation with the late Rabbi David Schmidel and members of Etzra Kadisha, who examined the areas around the holy site and identified the new location. Alongside the significant upgrade for the comfort of worshippers, emphasis was placed on building over existing structures in order to make the facility accessible also to Kohanim, and a path was also paved to the facility from the Kohanim route. Halachic supervision was carried out by Etzra Kadisha and the rabbis who are members of the Five-Member Committee, headed by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Sites.

The new facility was also built with accessible planning and adaptation for people with disabilities, for the benefit of disabled visitors and those with mobility difficulties who visit the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai throughout the year. This is another significant step in improving the visitor experience in Meron and in continuing to develop the infrastructure for the benefit of all worshippers and visitors.

Restrooms in Meron, Photo: David Cohen Restrooms in Meron, Photo: David Cohen Restrooms in Meron, Photo: David Cohen