Tombs of the Sanhedrin

March 22nd 2011

The tombs of the Sanhedrin are located in the ultra-Orthodox Jerusalem neighborhood of Sanhedria, in a small shady park. Many refer to this landmark as “the Tombs of the Judges.” These tombs are first mentioned by Rabbi Jacob the Emissary in 1235, who calls them the “Tombs of the Righteous,” where many wise and righteous men are believed to be buried. By 1450, Rabbi Joseph Halevi identified the “Tombs of the Righteous” to be the actual tombs of the members of Sanhedrin. The tombs’ structure is arched and is a traditional place to leave prayer notes behind.