The Public Hilula in memory of Rachel Imeinu that takes places annually on her yarzheit will not be taking place this year in its normal fashion due to the Coronavirus. The annual event at the Kever, which was supposed to begin on the night of, yud-aleph Cheshvan was changed due to specific instructions given by the Health Ministry and the Police.

According to the instructions, visitors will not be allowed at the site and public transportation will be suspended between the dates of 28.10.20 and 1.11.20, yud to yud daled Cheshvan.

The National Center for the Development of Holy Sites expressed their sadness at the closure but said that seeing as the stringent rules of the lockdown have not yet been fully lifted, nor have Shuls opened up yet, enacting these regulations is to be expected. A statement made by the center said that they did et up capsules for worshippers to use after the closure is over.

The center will be operating a phone hotline every day during the celebration period in order to receive names to pray for and will provide service free of charge. People interested in submitting prayers can do so at the number +972-2-6451142 as well as the organization’s website https://holy.org.il

Additionally, the center will hold a special broadcast this evening from the gravesite beginning at 8:00 p.m. Israel time and continuing until 01:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)