Graves of the Righteous

The Grave of the Tanna, Honi Hame’agel
 

Honi Hame’agel (the Circle-drawer) lived in the Hasmonean era in the first century BCE. His name comes from the miracle he experienced when praying for rain during a drought in the region. The Talmud tells us that Honi drew a circle around himself and announced to God that he wouldn’t move until it rained.
Visitors to the tomb said to belong to Honi, which is located on the outskirts of the town of Hatzor Hagelilit, walk around a circle, praying and reciting Psalms. According to tradition, Honi delivers the prayers to God – not only those for rain, but those for any cause. A celebration of Honi Hame’agel takes place on the 3rd of Iyar.

 

The Gravesite of Rabbi Yonatan Ben Uziel
 

Yonatan Ben Uziel was the most famous student of Hillel. According to tradition, he is buried in Amuka. It is customary to make a pilgrimage to his grave at the beginning of the month, mid-month and on the 26th of Sivan (the date of his death), but one finds visitors here all year round. Most pray for children, health, a good partner in marriage, livelihood and satisfaction from one’s children. In recent years, the grave has become a very popular place of pilgrimage.
 

The Grave of the Rashbi, Meron
 

Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (the Rashbi) was a tanna and one of the five students of Rabbi Akiva who were not murdered after the suppression of the Second Revolt. The Rashbi was sentenced to death because of his opposition to the Roman's prohibition of studying Torah. As a result, he and his son Elazar fled to a cave, where they hid for 13 years. According to legend, they lived here on carobs and spring water. Shimon Bar Yochai is commemorated on Lag Ba'omer, the date of his death, with a celebration on Mount Meron, attended by large crowds.

 

The Grave of Habakkuk
 

The grave traditionally associated with the prophet Habakkuk lies at the foot of Mt. Habakkuk, near Kadarim. Habakkuk was one of the biblical prophets from the period of the First Temple. His prophecies can be found in the three-chapter Book of Habakkuk, the eighth book of the Twelve Prophets (the minor prophets), which contains commentaries based on the question of why the righteous suffer.

 

The Grave of Rabbi Halfata
 

The graves of Rabbi Halfata, one of the third generation of tannas, and his sons Yosef and Shimon are located at a site surrounded by a large courtyard near Kfar Hananya. The graves are shaded by a large oak tree estimated to be some 600 years old and its position makes the place stand out from afar.

 

The Grave of Rabbi Tarfon
 

The grave of Rabbi Tarfon is located in Kadita, near Tzfat. Rabbi Tarfon was a member of the second generation of tannas, who lived in the period of the destruction of the Second Temple. He is known for saying "the day is short, the task is great, the workmen are lazy, the reward is great and the Master is pressing."
A huge terebinth tree shades the gravesite, added a special sense of sanctity.