Just-completed renovations in the structure where the grave
of Shmuel Hanovi is located eased the way for thousands of
people who stream there to daven on the 28th of Iyar,
the yahrtzeit of Shmuel Hanovi. The renovations were
made by the Defense and the Religious Affairs Ministries at
the grave site, located just north of the Ramot section of
Jerusalem.
Until recently, the grave could be reached only through the
building's main entrance and then by descending steep, narrow
steps: a situation which resulted in intolerable crowding,
and also creating a security risk in the event of the need to
quickly evacuate a large crowd.
As part of the renovations, an additional doorway was opened
at the right of the building and a new staircase leading to
the cellar where the grave is located was built. Portable
mechitzos were installed in the entrance hall,
enabling total separation between men and women, a much-
needed improvement.
In addition, an aron kodesh with a reinforced door was
installed and an additional room was opened for men to
daven.
The idea to open the new doorway was proposed at a meeting
between the Committee of Gedolei Torah on Behalf of the Grave
Sites of Shmuel Hanovi and Channa Hanevia and the rabbi of
the Mekomos Hakedoshim, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, as well as
the chairman of the Authority for the Development of Sacred
Sites, Oded Weiner. HaRav M. Klein, the Admor of Ungvar and
Rav Yeruchom Fischel Adler head the Committee of Gedolei
Torah on Behalf of the Grave Sites of Shmuel Hanovi and
Channa Hanevia.
