Page 9 - Virtual Tour Outside Jerusalem Walls Intermediate 110716

9

The Burial Caves

When (they) built the ‘Begin Heritage Center’ (they) found Jewish burial
caves from the time of the First Temple. In this period (they) buried the
dead outside of the city, and this way - there were many graves around
the city, from all directions.
In that period (they) built bunks inside the graves, and a pit under them.
In the first year (they) put the dead person on a bunk with (his) face
upwards and put talismans and jewelry around him, if he was rich.
After a year, in a special ceremony, (they) put the bones of the dead in the
pit under the bunk.
At the site are seven burial caves, in which (they) found a special treasure
- precious jewelry (made) of silver, gold and more… the graves are
probably of rich families.
Near the bunks (they) put candles, dishes, and personal belongings of the
dead. In this period people saw death as a long sleep. If you want to see
the caves at the best hour - come before sunset. The last light of the day
paints the caves in a beautiful and special color.
Among the jewelry (they) found children’s necklaces. Inside the necklace
was a scroll with a ‘priestly blessing’. The archeologists were very moved
to find the little scrolls, because they realized how ancient and authentic
the blessing is, and learned of the hope of the families that chose to give
the children the blessing on their final path.

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