Sacred and Conflicted: Hebron Part 1 (Vlog)

One Jewish State takes you deep inside Hebron, one of the most spiritual and politically charged cities in Israel. In this episode, Sam Schubert explores the city’s significance to the Jewish people, guided by Rabbi Mordechai Hellinger of Chabad.

Along the way, he visits the Cave of the Patriarchs, encounters Education Minister Yoav Kisch, and gains insight into both the historical and present-day realities of Hebron.

Introduction to Hebron

Hebron is one of the most intense places in Israel, known for constant friction between communities. It is divided into Jewish and Palestinian zones, with heavy security and frequent flashpoints. Despite the challenges, Hebron is also home to the Cave of the Patriarchs, the second holiest site in Judaism.

The visit was meant to uncover why Hebron matters so deeply to the Jewish people.

Cave of the Patriarchs Security Checkpoint

The first impression upon arriving is the tight security surrounding the Cave of the Patriarchs. The site is holy to both Jews and Muslims, and entering requires passing through checkpoints.

Despite the layers of conflict, the cave remains a center of prayer and connection for both communities.

Understanding Hebron’s Divided Zones: H1 vs H2

Hebron is divided into two sections. H1 is controlled by the Palestinian Authority and represents most of the city. H2, a smaller area, remains under Israeli control and is heavily secured. At the heart of Hebron lies the Cave of the Patriarchs, revered as the burial site of Avraham, Sara, Yitzchak, Rivka, Yaakov, and Leah.

The site is also considered the fourth holiest place in Islam, creating a layered spiritual and political reality. For more on the historical role of Hebron in Jewish and Islamic traditions, see Brandeis University’s Jewish Studies Center.

Interview with Education Minister Yoav Kisch

While visiting the cave, Sam encountered Education Minister Yoav Kisch, who described Hebron as a family place that connects Jewish people to their deepest roots. Kisch reflected on the difficulty of living in a contested environment but emphasized the resilience of Jewish tradition and its unbroken connection to Hebron over centuries.

He also addressed the challenges of education in Israel, noting the fragmentation of society. His vision is to unify Israelis around a shared Jewish identity, Zionism, and heritage. Hebron, he explained, symbolizes this mission powerfully.

Chabad Rabbi Mordechai Hellinger Explains Hebron

Rabbi Mordechai Hellinger of Chabad spoke passionately about the spiritual meaning of Hebron. Originally from Brooklyn, he moved to the city to serve the community and dedicate his life to the Cave of the Patriarchs.

Hellinger explained that according to Jewish tradition, not only the patriarchs and matriarchs but also Adam and Eve are buried in Hebron. He emphasized that the site is known as the entrance to the Garden of Eden. For him, Hebron is not only sacred but also the very bedrock of Jewish history and identity.

Outside the Cave of the Patriarchs

Walking the perimeter of the ancient stone walls, Sam was struck by the site’s remarkable preservation. Unlike many ancient structures, the Cave of the Patriarchs has stood intact for over two thousand years and remains in daily use.

Despite centuries when Jews were forbidden to enter, today the site welcomes Jewish prayer and pilgrimage once more.

Inside the Cave of the Patriarchs

Stepping inside was a deeply emotional experience. The interior is filled with Hebrew and Arabic inscriptions, monuments, and spaces of worship. The blend of traditions is both striking and moving.

Sam learned that the structure above the cave was long controlled by the Islamic Waqf, which limited Jewish access. In the 1980s, Israeli archaeologists secretly explored the underground chambers, uncovering pottery from the First Temple period and confirming the site’s antiquity.

According to tradition, the cave is a double burial chamber, matching descriptions in Jewish texts. While there is no DNA proof, the overwhelming historical and spiritual evidence points to this being the burial site of the patriarchs and matriarchs.

Historical Importance of the Cave of the Patriarchs

The cave represents one of three places in the Torah that were purchased outright, making them undisputedly Jewish according to tradition. The others are the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus. Ironically, all three remain flashpoints of conflict to this day.

For Rabbi Hellinger and many others, the cave is about much more than conflict. It is about connection, spirituality, and roots. It serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between the Jewish people and their land.