By Tom Brennan
We read and see on the web the barbaric destruction of places holy to the three faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam by the violent tidal wave of the Caliphate’s march. Churches over 1,000 years old, traditional tombs of prophets and historic persons, art works and archaeological sites are blown up or burned to rubble. Muslim sites that do not fit into the beliefs of the Caliph’s followers are leveled mercilessly. Last year the Souk in Syria was destroyed by rebels. This ancient market had been a part of the culture for generations, little outcry from the Western press. Israel’s unique position as guardian of holy places is like no other. Here are some of the sacred places shared by the three faiths.
Israel is a place like no other. It is the place of origin for the world’s most populous faiths. Places that are featured in the Bible are here, rivers that were crossed, cities that were conquered and built, places where sacrifices were offered and places where patriarchs and prophets were buried are here.
Because of the Bible’s place within Judaism and Christianity many sites are revered by both. Islam’s origins from within the teachings of both Judaism and Christianity have included many of these places as locations for remembering and memorials of events and persons within Scripture. Often times access is limited to one or another group but in many cases some accommodations are allowed.
Perhaps the best known and most controversial site sacred to the three faiths is the Temple Mount. It seems that this place is a focal point for much of Scripture and how each faith interprets it. The Temple Mount is on Mount Moriah, this place is held to be where Abraham brought Isaac in the test of faith and loyalty that G-d put before His friend. Here the ram was found in the thicket that became the sacrifice. Here David bought the land where the Temple would be built. This is where Solomon built the Temple and placed the Ark within the innermost Holy Place. Research has demonstrated that a cutout in the innermost chamber fits the proportions of the Ark. This place is also where Herod enlarged the square footage of the Temple by extending the walls and support buildings. Here Yeshua taught and the disciples as well. This place was leveled as prophecized by the Messiah and only the support wall remained to be seen. Here is where a narrative in the Quran described a night time visit to heaven by Muhammad. Two mosques were built here and remain today. Jews can only approach the Western wall, other visitors must comply with rules by the proprietary agreements that let the Waqf set the standards for access. To be sure this place is no stranger to controversy and occasional confrontation. Plans to build a Third Temple are underway, the situation bears watching to say the least.
The Tomb of David is another area where controversy and confusion meet. David was said to have been buried to sleep with his fathers near the Siloam area in the City of David. Other kings of Israel were buried in the same area. Any buildings or funeral structures were most likely destroyed y the Romans in 135 CE when the Empire decided to end any future revolts by the Jews with a leveling of the city, a ceremonial driving of plow over the debris to proclaim an end to what had been the capital of a Jewish kingdom and the foundation of Aeolia Capitolina a Roman city. By the 11th century Mt. Zion had been identified as the place of David’s tomb and the tradition endured. Perhaps since David’s palace has been identified and excavated by Dr. Mazar, the original tomb of the shepherd who became a king may be found some day.
Perhaps the next most important holy place to the three faiths as far as history goes, is the Tomb of the Three Patriarchs, the Cave of Machpelach. Located in Hebron, this is the place that Abraham purchased to bury Sarah. He himself was later buried his his sons, Isaac and Ishmael. Following him were Isaac and Rebekah and Jacob and Leah (Rachel is buried near Bethlehem). The actual burial cave is below ground and above this are three chambers, each dedicated to a Patriarch. The cave below is off limits to Jews as are the chambers, they are allowed access to the interior of the structure and have use of another room. Memorials in Arabic decorate the chambers. The interior of the structure is essentially medieval and Islamic. However, the exterior walls are the product of the energetic Herod the Great and are an excellent example of the monumental ashlar style of the complex and demagogic ruler. The interior of the compound has seen tremendous renovations and no excavations. This is an example of an unequal access and sharing of a site. The Patriarchs feature heavily in Islam but access to their burial places are denied to Jews, the other “people of the Book”. Israeli religious authorities walk a thin line to maintain a form of access in this Muslim dominated area.
There are other places revered by two or more faiths. Often the names of the individuals are obvious and known, other times their identity has been translated into something more familiar to the followers of one of the faiths. The tomb of Jethro is one of these. Jethro, a priest of Midian, was he father in law of Moses and was buried in a location overlooking the Sea of Galilee. His daughter and the wife of Moses, Zipporah, is also interred there. This area is where the Druze live and Jethro is regarded as a prophet. He is also listed as a prophet by Muslims.
The prophet Samuel’s tomb has been identified as being in Jerusalem. However the tradition is that his remains were found in Ramla by Crusaders and moved to Jerusalem. Most likely the prophet who anointed the first kings of Israel was buried in Mizpah. There is a synagogue in his honor.
Rachel, wife of Isaac is buried at the north entrance to Bethlehem as stated in Genesis 35: 19-20. Pilgrims in the 4th century wrote of seeing a tomb there. Sir Moses Montefiore requested and received permission from the Ottoman Sultan in1841 to refurbish and add an architectural dome over the site.
The prophetess Huldah who lived in the time of King Josiah I also remembered today. She was a contemporary of Jeremiah and Zephaniah and prophecized warnings as well. Josiah led a revival of the Torah and renovated and refurbished the Temple which had fallen into neglect and disrepair during Israel’s all too frequent idolatry periods.
Israel’s unique office for religions walks a tight line in keeping solid relations, religious freedom and conflicts of beliefs that mark the common heritage and differing interpretations of the three faiths . This is no easy task. Perhaps only Israel which has seen tremendous persecutions and a Holocaust can dare to administer justly the access to holy places revered by the three faiths. Israel makes it work.
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