Daytime Prayer Service at Joseph's Tomb Marks Historic Shift

On January 29, 2026, Jewish worshippers held a daytime Shacharit prayer service at Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus for the first time in 25 years. This significant event followed a decision by Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz to extend entry hours to the site, allowing access beyond the previously restricted nighttime visits. The last daytime prayers occurred in 2000, during the Second Intifada, after which services were limited to night under heavy military escort.

Jewish worshippers hold daytime prayer at Joseph's Tomb

The recent service was organized by the Samaria Regional Council, led by Yossi Dagan, along with Knesset member Zvi Sukkot, who is also the acting deputy minister for foreign affairs and security for Judea and Samaria. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) approved the new arrangement, which permits worshippers to remain at the site until 8:00 a.m., with additional entries allowed starting at 6:00 a.m.

Jewish worshippers hold daytime prayer at Joseph's Tomb

Joseph's Tomb, located in Area A of the West Bank under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction, has a complex history. The site, believed to be the burial place of Joseph, son of Jacob, was abandoned by Israeli forces in 2000 after a violent incident involving a Palestinian mob. The tomb has faced desecration and refurbishment multiple times, with the most recent incident occurring in 2022.

Jewish worshippers hold daytime prayer at Joseph's Tomb

Yossi Dagan described the daytime prayer as a "morning of historical correction," emphasizing the symbolic significance of returning to the site in daylight. Zvi Sukkot echoed this sentiment, calling it "a dramatic step and the beginning of a full return to Joseph’s Tomb." Rabbi Yosef Elitzur, head of the Od Yosef Chai Yeshiva, expressed hope for a permanent Jewish presence at the site, stating, “We are happy and excited to pray Shacharit here in the yeshiva’s beit midrash.”

Jewish worshippers hold daytime prayer at Joseph's TombFirst Time In 25 Years: Morning prayers at Joseph's Tomb

The decision to allow daytime prayers is part of a broader initiative to reestablish a permanent Jewish presence at Joseph’s Tomb and to restore the Od Yosef Chai Yeshiva to the complex. This initiative includes outreach efforts to government officials and the public, aiming to solidify the site's significance in Jewish heritage.

Jewish worshippers hold daytime prayer at Joseph's Tomb

While the event was celebrated by many, there may be dissenting views regarding the implications of increased Jewish access to the site, particularly given its location in Palestinian Authority-controlled territory. Critics may argue that such actions could exacerbate tensions in the region.

Jewish worshippers hold daytime prayer at Joseph's Tomb

While the sources agree on the significance of the event, there is a lack of detailed information regarding the reactions from Palestinian authorities or local communities in Nablus. The absence of these perspectives leaves a gap in understanding the full impact of the decision.

Jewish worshippers hold daytime prayer at Joseph's Tomb

• “This morning is a morning of historical correction,” — Yossi Dagan, Samaria Regional Council Head

Jewish worshippers hold daytime prayer at Joseph's Tomb

• “We have achieved an important step of progress by holding a morning prayer and entering Joseph’s Tomb during daylight hours,” — Zvi Sukkot, Knesset Member

Jewish worshippers hold daytime prayer at Joseph's Tomb

• “We are happy and excited to pray Shacharit here in the yeshiva’s beit midrash,” — Rabbi Yosef Elitzur, Head of Od Yosef Chai Yeshiva

Jewish worshippers hold daytime prayer at Joseph's Tomb

This recent development at Joseph's Tomb represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding religious access and heritage in the region, with potential implications for future relations between Jewish and Palestinian communities.

Jewish worshippers hold daytime prayer at Joseph's Tomb