In Chevron, preparations are underway to accommodate the thousands expected to spend Yom Kippur in the Holy City. In an effort to accommodate more mispallalim, the community will be expanding its guest accommodations this year.

Acting upon the decision of rabbonim, the accommodations will be for males only in keeping with the special kedusha of the day. Those wishing to spend Yom Kippur in the Machpelah must make advanced reservations, and they will receive a place to sleep and a seudas mitzvah on erev yomtov, as well as a mehadrin meal following the fast.

Preparations include meetings with local military commanders, to ensure the security of the mispallalim, with special focus being placed on the roads leading to and from the Machpelah.

Officials in Chevron report there is a growing number of requests from the chareidi community among other sectors, apparently the increased awareness of those realizing they can spend Yom Kippur in the holy city, the “Entrance to Gan Eden”.

Those wishing to make arrangements may phone 052-429-5550.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)