![]() ![]() The convenience of using phase space stems from the fact that each point represents a complete state of a physics system. This inequality ties together spatial coordinates and momenta, which in Quantum Mechanics become “complementary” observables. Where ∆ x is the uncertainty in the measurement of coordinates of a particle, ∆ p is the uncertainty in the measurement of the momentum of the particle, and ћ is the Plank constant. The physical cave had the same structure as the spiritual paradise-the world of souls. ![]() This Midrash points to an important principle of Jewish mysticism-the structure of the spiritual worlds is reflected in the physical world. Rashi interprets the word Machanayin as a “double-camp”-double, because Jacob was escorted by one group of angels of the diaspora and met by another group of angels of the Land of Israel-the latter higher than the former. When he saw them, Jacob said, “this is a camp of G‑d,” and he named the place Machanaim. When Jacob returns to the land of Canaan after sojourning with Laban, he encounters the angels: The Cave of the Patriarchs is not the only “double” structure in the Torah. Today, the structure serves as both a synagogue and a mosque, and the general public is allowed entrance to the building.A Midrash explains that the reason this cave had two chambers-the upper and the lower-is because it reflects the structure of Gan Eiden (Paradise - the Garden of Eden), which also has two levels- Gan Eiden HaElion (the Higher Paradise) and Gan Eiden HaTachton (the lower Paradise). This changed when Israel gained control of the West Bank after the Six-Day War in 1967. Who Can Visit the Cave?įor 700 years, Jews were denied access to the cave because it was under Muslim control. The structure itself has been a church under the Byzantines, a mosque under the Arabs, then a church again during the time of the crusaders, then a mosque again until 1967. Since the time of Christ, the city of Hebron has belonged to the Romans, the Byzantines, the Ottomans, to name a few powers. The land that it sits on has also had a turbulent history like all of Israel. Since then, the structure has been built up, torn down, built up again until it reached the configuration we see today. ![]() One of the first structures over the cave was built by Herod the Great, the same Herod who slaughtered the children in Jerusalem when Jesus was born (see Matthew, chapter 2). Of course, people have built a building over it that you can see in the photo downloaded from Wikimedia Commons. In Judaism, it is considered the second most sacred site in Israel, after the Temple Mount. It has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries because of its significance to both Jews and Muslims. Today you can find the Cave of Machpelah in the city of Hebron. Jacob’s twelve sons honored his request and took the long trip from Egypt to bury him there. Rebekah, and there I buried Leah.” Gen 49:31. He goes on to say, “There they buried Abraham and his wife Sarah, there they buried Isaac and his wife Bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field In fact, in Genesis 49, Jacob, who died in Egypt, requested that he be buried in the Cave of Machpelah. It later became known as the Cave of the Patriarchs because Abraham himself was buried there as were Isaac and Jacob and their wives. ![]() Abraham purchased a nearby cave from a man named Ephron and buried Sarah there. The Bible says that Sarah died in Kiriath-arba which was also known as Hebron. Everybody is so diplomatic and respectful! You can read about it in chapter 23 of Genesis. One of my favorite stories in Genesis is the story about how Abraham negotiated with the sons of Heth for a burial place for his wife, Sarah. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |