Shem, son of Noah, and his great-grandson Ever (Eber), from whom the name “Ivri” (Hebrew) is traditionally derived, are remembered in Jewish tradition as teachers of faith in God in the generations before Avraham.
The Midrash describes a house of study, “the yeshiva of Shem and Ever,” where Yitzchak studied and where Yaakov learned for fourteen years before going to Lavan’s house (Talmud, Megillah 17a; Rashi on Genesis 28:9). Rivka went there to inquire of God when she was pregnant (Rashi on Genesis 25:22). The Talmud (Nedarim 32b) identifies Shem with Malki-Tzedek, king of Shalem, who blessed Avraham.
Tzfat tradition holds that this house of study was in a cave in the city, which is still shown to visitors.
