HEBRON RESTORATION: Four-Year, $1 Million Renovation Of Kevarim Of Yishai And Rus Completed

A four-year, approximately $1 million restoration of the Tomb of Yishai and Rus atop Tel Hebron has been completed, transforming the historic site into a newly renovated center for tefillah, Torah and visitors.

The project was spearheaded by Yishai Fleisher, international spokesman for the Jewish community of Chevron, with funding raised from donors around the world.

The site is traditionally identified as the burial place of Yishai, father of Dovid HaMelech, and Rus, Dovid HaMelech’s great-grandmother.

The extensive renovation includes a new shul and bais medrash, shaded seating, water stations, restrooms, an event hall, courtyard and improved access to the Tel Hebron archaeological park. An ancient chamber dating to the Byzantine and medieval periods was also restored and converted into a working studio for a sofer.

The kevarim themselves were redesigned using ancient stone, inscriptions, a Magen Dovid and a wheat motif recalling the story of Rus.

“These places we love, places that are our heritage, need to be beautiful, need to expand the heart,” Fleisher said.

The restored site is already hosting private events and visitors, with particularly large crowds expected on Shavuos, when Megillas Rus is read.