“Rachel’s Tomb”

Along the Way of the Patriarchs, leading from Shechem to Hebron, south of Jerusalem, she stands there, silent,

her silence crying out the silence of the one who dwells within, the silence in which Mother Rachel agreed to forgo

the greatest of her generation and her bridal gown.

The same silence in which she conveyed signs, simply, lovingly.

The main thing was that her sister would not be ashamed.

There she stands, her tomb, silent. And her silence cries out all those thousands of generations of her children

who found comfort and consolation in her, who tore through the silence with their tears,

who leaned their shoulders and hearts on “Mama Rachel”, and asked her never to stop crying.

The same mother, always there for them.

“…restrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is reward.”

As a daughter of Mother Rachel,

I visit her tomb from time to time,

in prayers and longing, in tears and supplications,

(…and I witness wonders and miracles (in somewhat personal stories).

We are fortunate to have a special mother! A mother who cares personally for every son and daughter,

a mother who never tires of praying and asking for mercy from the One Who dwells on High…

…who fulfills the requests of her children who beseech her…

…who, by the way, at her tomb, cling to her, ask,

and upon her merit—they lean!

Rachel’s Tomb and the structure that stands upon it have been commemorated many times.

I have a special fondness for painting Rachel’s Tomb,

in many variations, styles, colors, and sizes.

And many adorn their beautiful homes with them!

Dozens of paintings!!! — but there is only one Mother Rachel