Ma'arah Schedule
** Opening and closing dates for the Cave of the Patriarchs for 2026**
The Tomb of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs / Cave of Machpela (Maarat HaMachpela) has separate sections designated for Jewish and Muslim prayer services with separate entrances.
For 10 days a year, the site is reserved for Jewish prayers and for another ten days the sites is reserved for Muslim prayers, corresponding to their respective holidays and special occasions. During Jewish holidays the Hall of Isaac and Rebecca, the largest in the complex is open for Jewish worshipers. This hall contains the opening into the actual cave.
On Muslim holidays, Jewish books, Hebrew signs, and other ritual items are removed and stored to prevent vandalism. Jewish prayers are held outside at the Seventh Step garden.
On Jewish holidays, Muslim prayer rugs, carpets and Arabic signs are removed and Islamic prayers are held outside by the western entrance. Medics from both Israel and the Palestinian Authority are on hand to assist in case of need.
Dates subject to change:
Sunday
18th of Nissan 5786
April 5, 2026
Chol Hamoed Passover
Monday
19th of Nissan 5786
April 6, 2026
Chol Hamoed Passover
Wednesday
29th of Av 5786
August 12, 2026
Rosh Hodesh Elul eve
Saturday
1st of Tishri 5787
September 12, 2026
Rosh Hashana
Thursday
6th of Tishri 5787
September 17, 2026
Slichot, Ten Days of Repentance
Monday
10th of Tishri 5787
September 21, 2026
Yom Kippur, starting Sunday at 3:00pm
Monday
17th of Tishri 5787
September 28, 2026
Chol Hamoed Succot
Tuesday
18th of Tishri 5787
September 29, 2026
Chol Hamoed Sukkot
Saturday
22nd of Tishri 5787
October 3, 2026
post-Simchat Torah eve, Second Hakafot
Saturday
27th of Cheshvan 5787
November 7, 2026
Shabbat Chayei Sarah, starting Friday at 3:00pm
Opening Hours
- The Ma’arah is open from 4 AM until 9 PM.
- During Daylight Savings Time, the Ma’arah is open until 10 PM.
- Times subject to change during holidays.
- To confirm which ten days (see above) the entire Ma’arah is open, call: (02)996-5333
- The Rochelle Berkowitz Ma’arah Plaza and Seventh Step are accessible 24 hours a day
There are daily weekday prayers intermittently on an adhoc basis and as follows:
| Shacharit | 20 minutes before Netz 7:30 AM 8:30 AM |
|---|---|
| Mincha | 20 minutes before Shkiyah (Sunset) |
| Ma’ariv | At Shkiyah (Sunset) 8:15 PM |
Shacharit
20 minutes before Netz
7:30 AM
8:30 AM
Mincha
20 minutes before Shkiyah (Sunset)
Ma’ariv
At Shkiyah (Sunset)
8:15 PM
For Shabbat prayer times, please consult locally.
The agreed compromise at the Tomb of Machpela is to reserve ten days a year for Jewish & non-Muslim worship and ten days for Muslim-only worship. The Jewish & non-Muslim days generally correspond to holidays such as Passover, Sukkot, Parshat Chayei Sarah, etc. when tens of thousands of Jewish visitors come to Hebron.
** The following dates are reserved for Muslim prayer services. Due to the nature of the Muslim calendar there may be changes in the opening and closing dates. It is recommended to confirm by calling the office at (02)996-5333.
Saturday 25th of Tevat 5786 / January 17, 2026 – Isra and Meraj
Friday 3rd of Adar 5786 / February 20, 2026 – Ramadan
Friday 10th of Adar 5786 / February 27, 2026 – Ramadan
Friday 17th of Adar 5786 / March 6, 2026 – Ramadan
Friday 23rd of Adar 5786 / March 13, 2026 – Ramadan
Sunday 26th of Adar 5786 / March 15, 2026 – Laylat al Qadr, from 8:30am – Monday 10:00am
Friday 2nd of Nissan 5786 / March 20, 2026 – Eid Al Fitr
Wednesday 11th of Sivan 5786 / May 27, 2026 – Eid al Adha
Tuesday 1st of Tammuz 5786 / June 16, 2026 – Muharram
Tuesday 12th of Elul 5786 / August 8, 2026
During the 10 Muslim only days, Jewish prayer services will be held outside at the Seventh Step
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