How a 12-year-old girl became the first person to explore the Cave of Machpela

The Tomb of the Patriarchs & Matriarchs in Hebron built to house the Cave of Machpela underneath. The former Seventh Step was located on the right-hand side of the wall. Credit: Ben Bresky.

Hebron’s ancient Tomb of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs was banned for Jews to enter for 700 years. But after Israel’s stunning victory in the Six Day War, General Moshe Dayan was determined to explore it. The only person small enough to fit inside the opening was 12-year-old Michal Arbel. Hear her description of this extraordinary exploration and the mysteries hidden below.

Michal Arbel being lowed into the Cave of Machpela through the candle aperture.

Michal’s photo of the steps inside the cave.

Michal’s photo of of niche in the wall inside the cave

Inside the Cave of Machpela.

Candle aperture (Entrance to the garden of Eden) in the Tomb of Machepla complex. Visitors place their hand or face over the opening to feel the draft from the underground caverns. Credit: Ben Bresky.

NOTES:

• Living with the Bible by Moshe Dayan, 1978.

• Written on the Dog's Skin: On the perception of the work in S. Y. Agnon by Michal Arbel

• Times of Change: Jewish Literatures in the Modern Era - Essays in Honor of Dan Miron co-edited by Michal Arbel

• Yehuda Arbel, a veteran Air Force pilot known as "Mr. Dakota" passed away. His daughter: "He was a tremendous inspiration - Israel HaYom news