The Tomb of the Biblical Matriarch Rachel, Entwining Faiths and Generations

The tomb of the Biblical matriarch Rachel became the basis for many Christian, Jewish, and Muslim stories. The remarkable chamber located in Bethlehem is not only a part of cultural and historical heritage for three religion and a famous city, but also provides a fascinating story that intertwines generations.

Rachel’s tomb was first mentioned during the 4th century AD when the young religion of Christianity was desperately searching for locations to base their cults. It was a period when Christians miraculously ‘discovered’ many places related to Biblical figures. The identification of several of these sites is controversial, but that doesn’t bother the thousands of people who travel to the Holy Land every year to reconnect with the early individuals of their faith.

Who Was Rachel?

Rachel was one of the most iconic women of Biblical times. She was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, famous progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. Rachel was the patriarch Jacob’s wife. She died during delivery of her youngest son. She is known as the mother of Judaism, but is also an important figure in Christianity and Islam.

Rachel is weeping for her children, 14th century fresco from Marko’s Monastery. (Public Domain)