No visit to Israel is complete without a stop at Mama Rochel. When Yakov returned to Israel with his family, Rochel died on the side of the road after giving birth to Binyamin. Yakov buried his wife in Beit Lechem. It is traditional for Jews to come and pray at her grave.
There is a beautiful Midrash that speaks of the time of the Destruction of the Temple. Avraham, Yitzchak, Yakov and Moshe all appeared before Hashem and with heartfelt words begged of Hashem not to destroy the Temple. Hashem refused to listen to them all. Rochel came and in her quiet way with tears, reminded Hashem of her story with Leah.
I was not jealous of my sister and gave her the secret message out of my love for her. I gave up my dream to be the mother of Israel. Please Hashem, do not be jealous of your children.
Rochel’s words were moving and Hashem replied to her: Do not cry Rochel for I will return your children to their land.
This is why Jews flock to Mama Rochel and pray there daily in times of goodness and in times of sadness. Rochel’s wish really did come true, for being buried on the side of the road she is truly the mother of all Jews and Israel.