Cave of Elijah

According to Bible Elijah lived in a cave on Mt. Carmel during the 9th century, while running from the wrath of Ahab king of Israel. Elijah is believed to have lived in two caves during his time on Mount Carmel, one of which is at the top of the hill and is sheltered by the Carmelite monastery (Stella Maris). The lower cave at the base of the mountain is called Elijah's cave. These two caves have had religious uses since early times. Elijah is an important figure in Jewish faith. At the Passover Seder a cup of wine is placed on the table, and a door is left open to allow Elijah the Prophet to enter and drink. At every circumcision ceremony a seat is set for Elijah. And Jews sing of Elijah at the end of Shabbat, singing "speedily, in our days...along with the Messiah, son of David, to redeem us." The cave is located at the base of Mt Carmel. Many pilgrims tend to attribute magical qualities and healing powers to the cave, and take many vows in this location. The cave is also sacred to Christians seeing as Jesus and his family hid there while escaping from King Herod. Today, the cave is mostly visited by orthodox Jews and tourists. I saw many of them praying with their face towards the cave from nearby areas also. Most of them were so involved that they couldn’t control their emotions and were weeping continuously.

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