Khirbet Kelafa

Khirbet Kelefa is an archeological site of a Jewish settlement from the Second Temple period to the end of the Bar Kokhba revolt. The site is located about 2 km southeast to the village of Surif.

Archeological analysis

This archeological site was never surveyed before and following a visit to the site which led to the discovery of a mikveh and a Bar Kokhba hiding complex, in 2013 archeologist Dvir Raviv surveyed the site for the first time.

Archeological findings

The archeological findings at Khirbet Kelefa include building remains, cistern, caves, a large and smaller Mikveh, hiding complex and agricultural facilities. Many ceramics remains were found, dating to the Second Temple period and the Bar Kokhba revolt. Another finding typical to Jewish settlements of that period, were the remains of a soft curved chalk bowl. These findings are match findings in similar Jewish settlements in the northern Hebron hills, mentioned in historical sources.

The Mikveh

At Khirbet Kelefa two Mikveh were discovered. A large one and a smaller one in the residential area. The Mikveh included seven steps leading down to the bathing area, the walls were covered with grey plaster typical to the earluy Roman period.

The hiding complex

The large hiding complex of Khirbet Kelefa is located about 50 meters southeast from the Mikveh, has four entrances and a total and a total tunnel length of 70m.

Site history

The archeological findings at the site are evidence to a substantial Jewish settlement existing between the Second Temple period and the Bar Kokhba revolt. It was part of the Herodium province of the northern Hebron hills. The province included settlements like: Betar, Herodium, Tekoa, Cusiba, Eir Nahash, Kiryat Arbaya and Bethel. At 135 CE the Roman Empire suppressed the Bar Kokhba revolt leading to the destruction of Jewish presence in that area until modern times.