This impressive poster shows the traditional picture of the Tomb of Rachel. Today it is a military fortress but it still retains its intense holiness, arousing deep emotions in all who come to pour out their heart to Mother Rachel, as she is called. On her Yohrzeit, Cheshvan 11, huge crowds visit the grave to pray for her Divine intervention.
She was buried here by the wayside by her husband, the Patriarch Jacob. He foresaw that his descendants would pass this spot as they were being driven into exile after the destruction of the Temple. They would cry on her grave and derive strength from Rachel’s presence.
At the bottom of the poster is related the heart-rending Midrash describing how at the time of destruction of the Temple, the Patriarchs, Matriarchs and Moses all implored G-d for mercy but He was silent. Then Mother Rachel turned to the Heavenly throne and cried bitterly, arguing that in her merit the Jewish people should be redeemed. She recalled how in order to protect her sister’s dignity, she had remained silent when her father had tricked Jacob and given him her sister Leah in marriage. So too, she pleaded, G-d should be silent even though His people have sinned.
At this, His mercy was aroused and He responded, "For you, Rachel, I will bring Israel back to their place" - the words emboldened on top of the poster. G-d assures her that the long exile will end and that the Jewish people will return to their land.
Size: 70 x 50 cm
