Tomb of Rachel in Tiberias

March 22nd 2011

At the Tomb of Rachel you’ll learn all about Rabbi Akiva’s wife, Rachel. This century-old domed tomb is located in Tiberias, and has since been a place of pilgrimage where many light candles and pray. The great love story of Rachel and Rabbi Akiva started when Rabbi Akiva was working as a shepherd for Rachel’s father. Despite Rachel’s father’s disapproval of Akiva, Rachel protested and married Akiva anyway. Rachel encouraged her husband to learn Torah, and so Akiva left her for 12 years to study. Rachel was so devoted to Akiva’s learning, that she even sold her long hair to send money to Akiva so he could continue learning.