Rachel’s Tomb Carpet

“A voice is heard in Ramah,
Lamentations and bitter weeping.
Rachel is weeping for her children.
She refuses to be comforted for her children,
Because they are not.”
(Jeremiah 31:15)

The story of Rachel, wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin is a rich drama of love, rivalry, intrigue and multiple deceit all directed to a higher purpose (Genesis 29-50). Rachel’s lasting image is of a tragic beloved woman who sacrifices her life for her children in a tangible realisation of the love between her and Jacob.

The Talmud records that Rachel continues to care for all her descendants. Today, the site of her tomb just outside Bethlehem is filled with women praying for Mother Rachel’s help.

This fine carpet displays her majestic tomb, its elegant contrasting colours defining a sky of gentle cobalt and its two ivory beige menorot.

The bottom of the central field refers to Bezalel-the name literally means: “In the shadow of The Almighty”, and the classical Bezalel border contains repeated Stars of David with the word “Zion” interspersed in simple medallions.