Cave of the Patriarchs Announces Opening Hours and Prayer Schedule for Tisha B'Av

The management of the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron has released the opening hours and prayer times for Tisha B'Av 5786. Despite ongoing renovation work, efforts are being made to ensure safe and comfortable access for worshippers throughout the fast day and its eve. On the evening of Tisha B'Av, Wednesday, the site will open from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. All halls will be accessible except for the Jacob Hall, which will remain closed. At 7:30 PM, Mincha prayer will be held in the Yeshnei Hebron Hall, followed by Ma'ariv prayers at sunset and the reading of the Book of Lamentations in the Marciano tradition. A second Ma'ariv prayer will take place at 8:10 PM in the main courtyard, followed by another reading of Lamentations.

On Thursday, the fast day itself, the Cave will open early at 4:00 AM and remain open until 9:45 PM. Jacob Hall will again be closed. Prayer services will be held continuously throughout the day, adjusted according to the number of worshippers. Additionally, the cave of Otniel ben Kenaz will be open to the public from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. The management emphasized that these arrangements are coordinated alongside the renovation works to allow public participation in the Tisha B'Av prayers. Worshippers are advised to note the differing opening hours between the eve and the day of the fast and the closure of Jacob Hall on both days.