Tomb of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes

The Tomb of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes Israel (“the Miracle Worker”) stands above Hamat Tiberias, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is one of the most visited Jewish pilgrimage sites in Israel, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who come to pray, light candles, and give charity in the rabbi’s name.

Rabbi Meir

Rabbi Meir was a 2nd-century sage of the Mishnaic period, one of the most prominent of the fourth generation of Tannaim. A student of Rabbi Akiva, he became the most frequently quoted voice in the Mishnah after Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, and is mentioned over 3,000 times in the Babylonian Talmud. His legal opinions, his parables, and his sharp intellect made him one of the towering figures of rabbinic Judaism. The Talmud records that his peers could not always follow his arguments because “he could present 150 reasons to declare something impure and 150 reasons to declare it pure” (Eruvin 13b).

Miracle Worker

The title “Baal HaNes” (“Master of the Miracle”) comes from a dramatic story in the Talmud (Avodah Zarah 18a-b). When Rabbi Meir’s sister-in-law was imprisoned by the Romans, he went to rescue her. He bribed a Roman guard to release her, instructing the guard that if he were ever caught and faced execution, he should cry out: “Eloka D’Meir Aneini!”, “God of Meir, answer me!” When the guard was indeed caught and condemned to death, he called out the phrase and was miraculously saved. The story became the foundation for a tradition that persists to this day: Jews around the world recite “Eloka D’Meir Aneini” when facing difficulty, particularly when searching for a lost object.

Charity Tradition

Rabbi Meir is said to have promised before his death that he would intercede in heaven on behalf of anyone who gives charity to the poor of the Land of Israel in his memory. This tradition gave rise to the “Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes Charity”, one of the oldest organized charitable funds in Jewish history, supporting the poor of the Holy Land for centuries. Charity boxes bearing his name (pushkes) have been a fixture in Jewish homes around the world for generations. The tradition of giving tzedakah in his name is especially associated with seeking divine help for lost objects, livelihood, health, and finding a marriage partner.

The Tomb of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes

The burial complex includes two synagogues, one Ashkenazi and one Sephardi, built over what tradition identifies as the rabbi’s grave. The white-domed structures are visible from across the lake. The site is open daily and draws its largest crowds on the anniversary of Rabbi Meir’s death (the 14th of Iyar, which falls on Pesach Sheni), when tens of thousands gather for prayer, song, and celebration. The nearby tombs of his students add to the site’s sanctity.

Visit with Hoshen Tours

The Tomb of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes is a short walk from the ancient hot springs of Hamat Tiberias. Hoshen Tours visits the tomb as part of a broader exploration of Tiberias, one of Judaism’s four holy cities, where the Talmud was compiled and Maimonides is buried on the lakefront.

Visitors exploring the Galilee often combine Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes with nearby destinations such as Tiberias, Sea of Galilee, and Kinneret Cemetery, each offering its own distinctive perspective on the region’s layered history and landscape. A broader itinerary might also include Yardenit Baptismal Site and Mount Arbel, both within easy reach and rich in their own right.

Every Hoshen Tours itinerary is private and fully customizable. Contact us to begin planning your journey through the Galilee.