Presently there is a lot going on at the site of Prophet Samuel’s grave. Extensive archaeological digging is taking place as part of a bigger plan to make the site more accessible to the public. Layers of history are being uncovered and preserved for the public to enjoy.
This renovation being done under the auspices of the Citizen Council has taken two years so far and brought with it many improvements. Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Kotel and Israel Holy Sites Authority was escorted around the site by Achvat Ben-Tzur the head of the Citizen Council together with Oded Pelus, head of the Office of Religions. They guided him around the site and showed him the improvements. These include opening a roof of a crusader structure and creating a preservation center for endangered plant species.
Thanks to these upgrades the site draws about 350,000 visitors a year. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority brings thousands of visitors to its tours of the site during national holidays.
There was discussion about how to make the site more accessible for people coming to pray. They also want organize the site for the “Halaka” ceremonies where a boy gets his first haircut on this third birthday or on the 33rd of the Omer a month after Passover.
All in all the renovations make this site easier to visit and pray in.
