Safed (aka Tzfat in Hebrew) is a well-known city for mysticism, exquisite art galleries, and some unusual characters. But, is this a tourist destination or just a waste of time? That depends on whether you enjoy culture, history, and beautiful architecture. If the answer to that question is yes, then you’re going to love Safed! […]
Tzfat is one of the four holy cities in Israel, but after just a moment or two in this mystical place, you will already feel the spirituality that pulses through its very air. From ancient burial sites to some invigorating nature spots, here’s the low down on what’s what up in Tzfat. The Artists’ Quarter […]
Chanukah is a special time in the Land of Israel. Darkness descends early this time year, but for eight nights in a row, Jewish homes all over Israel light Chanukah candles and, for a brief time, spread the light of rededication and divine inspiration. Even if you’ve been lighting Chanukah candles your whole life, Chanukah […]
Although Jerusalem is the center of spirituality in the Holy Land, the concept of Israel’s Four Holiest Cities came about in the mid-17th century, primarily as a way to jointly raise charity from Jewish communities overseas for the needy Jews of Israel. Judaism’s Four Holy Cities are Jerusalem in the center, Hebron to the south […]
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 […]
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 […]
Klezmer Music, ahhh…… breathe it in. In Tsfat, at the International Klezmer Festival, August 15-17. Three full days of Klezmeritis. Klezmer is the Jewish music that take us back to those past shtetl days, when vacationing in Israel was just a fantasy nestled in the minds and hearts of European Jewry. What happened to the […]
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 […]
Having your son’s bar mitzvah at the Western Wall is no doubt an unbelievable opportunity. But say you to wanted to be different, do something more out of the Israel ordinary… where would you go? What would you do? Otzar HaStam of Tsfat has already got an answer for you, with a complete Bar Mitzvah […]
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 […]