How Rachel's Tomb inspired Lady Judith Montefiore

For generations, Rachel’s Tomb (Kever Rochel) has attracted Jewish women for prayer and blessing. One of these was Lady Judith Montefiore, a British philanthropist who funded the rebuilding of the site after it was damaged in the 1837 earthquake. Hear here eloquent, poetic descriptions of the Land of Israel’s beauty and why the Tomb of Rachel inspired her. Plus, learn beauty tips and recipes from lady Judith’s Jewish Manual, the first Jewish kosher cookbook in English.

Lady Judith Montefiore, philanthropist and wife of Sir Moses Montefiore. She partnered with her husband in all charitable activities and volunteer work.

Rachel’s Tomb on the eve of Zayin Adar, the Yahrzeit of Rabbeinu Moshe. The moon is visible at the top of the photo. Credit: Ben Bresky, February, 2024

An old olive tree outside Kever Rachel, February, 2024. Credit: Ben Bresky

The old entrance to the Tomb of Rachel built by Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore in 1841. Credit: מיכאלי WikiCommons, 2005.

Rachel's Tomb. Credit: Moshe Milner, Israeli Government Press Office, 1968.

Rachel’s Tomb, 1968. Credit: Moshe Milner, GPO.

Rachel’s Tomb. Credit: Zoltan Kluger, GPO, 1933.

A modern photo of Rachel’s Tomb.

NOTES:

• Rachel Weeping by Frederick M. Strickert

• Judith Montefiore biography - Jewish Women’s Archive

• Judith Montefiore on How to Cook Like a Proper Jewish Lady

• Rachel’s Tomb, a Jewish Holy Place - Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs

• Notes from a Private journal of a visit to Egypt and Palestine, by way of Italy and the Mediterranean by Lady Judith Cohen Montefiore

• Women named Dina gather at new Dina Street in Jerusalem - Times of Israel