The story of Jewish life in Tzfat over the past 200 years is preserved and displayed in a compelling manner at Hameiri House, or Beit Hameiri in Hebrew. A fifth-generation native of Tzfat who passed away in 1989, Yehezkel Hameiri came to know this building as a child and spent decades transforming it into a […]
Jerusalem Street (Rechov Yerushalayim) forms the nerve center of Tzfat. It’s where the busy, modern city, the Old City and the Artists’ Quarter converge. Known in Israel as a “midrachov,” Jerusalem Street is a pedestrian mall, so you won’t find any dangerous or disruptive car traffic here. Moreover, the Tzfat midrachov is situated at the […]
In the Upper Galilee lies the mystical city of Tzfat – or Safed, as it is often spelled. Along with Hebron, Tiberias and Jerusalem, Tzfat is considered one of Israel’s four holiest cities to Jews. It’s been written that the Messiah will one day arise from Tzfat on his way to Jerusalem. Tzfat truly flourished […]
Nestled among the modern galleries and picturesque, terraced, limestone-lined alleyways of Tzfat are a number of historic synagogues that will help visitors touring Israel to connect to the indescribable mysticism of the holy city. The Ari Sephardic Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in Tzfat. During the 16th century, it was a favorite place of prayer […]
In Tzfat, there are two synagogues named for Rabbi Isaac Luria, more commonly known as The Ari or The AriZal. The Sephardic Synagogue of the Ari is the oldest synagogue still standing in the mystical northern city. Built more than 700 years ago, in 1301, it was originally known as the Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah the […]
The Great Stairs will take you from the beauty of ancient mystical art and spirituality up to the modern part of the city and the Midrachov shopping. Originally built to divide the city of Tzfat during the British Mandate period, these stairs today form a natural border between the artist quarter and its many galleries […]
It should come as no surprise that the mystical city of Tzfat, located high up in the mountains of the Galilee, is a magnet for Jewish artists and craftspeople. The ancient city’s kabalistic bent and picturesque environs have generated a bona fide hotbed for visual artists of all varieties, and visitors to Israel have been […]
The Midrachov is the point where the ancient spiritual Tzfat meets the busy modern city. The Midrachov’s shops and cafes are set against the most breathtaking views that are unique only to the mystical city of Tzfat. You can sip a refreshing drink or enjoy a meal while taking in the view of the historic […]
The Citadel is a beautiful park which boasts scenic views and also the remains of a historic Crusader castle, now housed in a new archeological park. Located at the upper most point of this ancient city, you can see the surrounding hills and mountains and across to the Sea of Galilee. The Citadel Park was […]
Just close to the beginning of the Midrachov shopping street and the top of the Great Stairs, you will see the Davidka cannon. This cannon played a crucial role during the Israel War of Independence of 1948. Though a very basic weapon, this cannon was effective more due to its great noise than anything else. […]
If you are traveling in the area surrounding Safed, take some time to stop at the Bar’am Synagogue, one of the best-preserved synagogues from the ancient period throughout the country. The stone ruins marking the synagogue now stand as a centerpiece for the Bar’am National Park. Since the third century, it has been a central […]
The Safed Cemetery is an important landmark in Safed’s rich history. Thousands of tombstones are lined one after the other along the slopes of Safed’s old city. The cemetery retells part of the city’s history and the inhabitants from 100 years back. Walking along the narrow paths, visitors will read off tombstone inscriptions of mystics […]
The Ari’s tomb and mikvah memorialize Rabbi Isaac Luria (1534-1572), who is known as the Ari (means “lion” in Hebrew). The Ari greatly influenced Kabbalah in Safed, when he lived there for the years prior to his death. The Ari’s mikvah, where the Ari was washed before burial, is situated around a natural spring near […]
When visiting Safed, it is customary to visit the tomb of Rabbi Pinhas ben Yair. The great sage was the son-in-law of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a sage in the second century. Rabbi Pinhas was well known for his humble disposition and did not want anything on his tomb since he believed that people should […]
Visit the white-domed grave of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and learn about his fascinating role in the history of the Jewish people. Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai is known as the author of the Zohar and an important rebel against Rome. Thousands of visitors travel to his tomb in Meron every year, and the site is […]
The HaMeiri House, located in the city of Tzfat, houses numerous rooms and artifacts that date back to the last few hundred years of the settlement of Tzfat and their inhabitants. Visitors who love learning about (and eating) dairy products should also visit Meiri Dairy. This place claims to be the first dairy manufacturing company […]
The Biriya Forest is a historical landmark from the 1948 War of Independence and a location that holds religious significance. The Biriya Forest covers over five-thousand acres and houses over five-million trees, including Pine, Broadleaf, Terebinth, Judas, Cedar, and Birch, as well as fruit and nut trees. It is the perfect location for enjoying northern […]
Tzfat is one of Israel’s four holy cities; it has been considered the spiritual center of Kabala (Jewish mysticism) since the 1600s. There are three major reasons why people visit Tzfat today – to explore the historic sites, to immerse oneself in the spiritual environment, and to go hiking or camping in the scenic, mountainous […]
Mount Meron is the second tallest mountain in Israel (1,209 meters) and the largest nature reserve in the Galilee. Trek up to the peak of Mount Meron for an amazing view of Tzfat and the surrounding areas, perfect for sunsets. The town of Meron is located on the slopes of the mountain, right next to […]
