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Tzefat – A Walking Tour

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The town of Tzefat (Safed) is rich in history, spirituality and sights that can easily be viewed on a one day walking tour. We started our Tzfat – Walking Tour in the morning by exploring the Artist Quarter which we found by way of easy directional signs posted throughout the town. The Artist Quarter is a well-known area that is home to a variety of artists shops. You will find an endless array of Judaica art, jewelry, ceramics, paintings and much more by local artists.

Tzefat on Foot

As we walked through the Old City and began to feel hungry, we were directed to a small restaurant that we couldn’t pass up. There was a line at this special Yemenite restaurant where the owner and main chef, Ronen, serves up authentic Lachuchs – a delicious Yemenite fried pancake which contains vegetables, Yemenite spices, herbs and cheese if you like, folded and wrapped in foil to be eaten by hand – Yemenite “fast food”! The restaurant is small and often crowded, but there is a visitor’s center directly across that offers a bench where one can relax and view a ten minute film on Tzfat while enjoying lunch. There are brochures in English on activities and sights to see and a helpful English speaking guide to answer any questions.

After lunch, we continued walking through the Jewish Quarter where there are several ancient synagogues; one shop I highly recommend stopping is the Safed Candle Factory. There are many varieties of candles from animal figures, Hamsas, Hanukkah candles and candles for holiday and other special occasions.

From the Jewish Quarter, we walked to the main road, Jerusalem Street, where we took steps up and across to a grassy park-like area which is referred to as the Citadel. At the top of the Citadel is a memorial which is called the Veterans Memorial and features a great view of the entire city.

For an amazing panoramic view of the Sea of Galiee , Hula Valley, Biriya Forest, and the entire Galilee, I recommend climbing up to Mount Yavnit. It is located directly across the main road to Safed. You simply cross junction 3900 at the base of Safed mountain and follow the signs to the top. At the peak elevation of 905 meters, you will see the sign marking your destination.

An Amazing Experience

Tzfat; a fulfilling day of spirituality, delicious authentic Middle Eastern food, and wonderful views

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Tzfat: a guide to the mystical city

From stunning synagogues to endless Israeli art galleries, the ‘City of Kabbalah’ has something new to offer every visit

Out of the green mountains and lush winding roads of the Upper Galilee , emerges a city steeped in the  history and mysticism of the Jewish people. Tzfat, one of Judaism’s four Holy Cities, is well known as the center of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) in Israel, where around each turn of the cobbled streets lies another mystical shop welcoming you in for a taste of 16th century spirituality. This Holy City on a hill is also home to ancient sites with panoramic views, hearty  homemade yemenite food , and vibrant  art galleries . Whether you come for the  history or hiking, of all the things to do in Israel this magical city will undoubtedly leave an impression on your mind–and maybe even on your soul.

The Old City of Tzfat

1.  Tzfat Kabbalah Center

• Attractions
• Religious buildings and sites

2.  Great Stairs

3.  Citadel (Metsuda)

4.  Abuhav Synagogue

5.  Tzfat Candles

6.  HaMeiri Cheese Shop

• Cheesemongers

7.  Beit Hameiri

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Adam Bodenstein—Uncover Israel Tours

Tzfat Walking Tours

Come for the highlights, a half day, or even a full day.  So much to uncover in Tzfat!

Tastes of Tzfat Culinary Tour

Been to Tzfat before and looking for a different way to explore the city? Or do you just love food, cultures, and stories? 

Uncover Tzfat in the way most suited to your group.  Whether it's a 2-hour classic highlights tour, an in-depth half day tour, or even an entire day filled with workshops, wineries, and more, we will discover Tzfat from top to bottom. Through the stories of the Kabbalists we will begin to understand the spirit of this quiet yet spiritually energized town. From breathtaking views, to the old synagogues and even a behind the scenes tour of recent archeological findings of 16th century Tzfat in the heart of the Old City, we'll try to understand the vibe of Tzfat from its stones, buildings, stories, and people. Of course we will sprinkle into our time a look at some of the unique art galleries here as well such as the famous Tzfat Candle Factory.  

I am so excited to offer this new way of experiencing Tzfat! The Tastes of Tzfat Tour takes you around the Old City of Tzfat through it's culinary delights and the stories behind the scenes.  Depending on what's open and your kashrut level needs, we would taste from a hummus joint, an artisan bakery, Mexican food, Yemenite, Tunisian, Israel's first whisky, local cheeses, and the best falafel you've ever tasted. The tour lasts between 2 1/2-3hrs.

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Home » A holy tour in Tzfat

A holy tour in Tzfat

• March 24, 2019
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Dror Bederman

Tour Designer and Expert Tour Guide in Israel.

If you wish to tour Israel in style, the picturesque City of Tzfat offers you a spectacular tour full of amazing attractions and spiritual delight.

Tzfat, with its cool and fresh air and serenity streaming down its streets and alleys, combines the spiritual and the physical into a unique and special experience.

Tzfat’s alleys by Yeshayahu Ashani

I loved Tzfat. How can you not love it? In every stone and hyssop, in each alley, there is a spirit telling and singing, playing and whispering of secrets, old days and people long gone, wisdom, nobility and Torah, miracles and heroic acts taking place in every corner.  Thousands of violins and wondrous flutes, legendary organs and mysterious harps play music out of each stone. And with every whisper of the mountain winds, you can hear delicate and magical sounds, telling a story. Every child with an open ear and an open heart can hear a string of breathtaking stories, unfinished, rich with taste and content.

A short telling of the history of Tzfat

Tzfat is mentioned for the first time in Yosef Ben- Matityahu’s descriptions of the cities he fortified during the fights against the Romans In 66BC, under the name Safra.   

Not much is known about Tzfat until the beginning of the second century when the Crusaders built a fortress on Mount Tzfat as part of the way to Damascus. The fortress was destroyed and has passed many hands during the fights between the crusaders and Salah-Adin and then between the crusaders and the Mamelukes.

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Beibars, the Mamlukian sultan, has turned Tzfat into the capital of the Galilee commissionership, drawing to it many local residents, including the Jews who were drawn to the city due to its close proximity to many Righteous Tombs and the sense personal security the city provided.

In 1516 the Ottomans conquered the land and the Jews who fled Spain after the expulsion was drawn to Tzfat and its holiness, and so the city’s population grew.

During these years, Tzfat became the manufacturing center of high-quality wool fabrics and was known for it all around the Ottoman empire. The flourish of the wool industry has strengthened the city’s economy and its population grew to 12.5 thousand residents in 1560, half of them Jews.

The economic flourish attracted some of the greatest rabbinical and Kabbalistic scholars, who turned Tzfat into a spiritual center of Kabbalah wisdom for the Jews in Israel.  Among the scholars who came to Tzfat were Rabbi Moshe Cordovero, Rabbi Yosef Karo, Rabbi Moshe Alsheich and Rabbi Isaac Luria (the holy Ari, or “HaAri”, which means “the lion,” but is also the Hebrew acronym for “the divine Rabbi Isaac”).

The many changes in the fabric industry in Europe destabilized the city’s economy and little by little, most of Tzfat’s scholars left the city and moved to Jerusalem which, in turn, became the Jewish center in Israel. The natural disasters that hit the city during the 17th and 18th century, did not do it any good either.  

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שלושה דברים לדעת כשעורכים בר מצווה בכותל., live music for events in israel – everything you needs to know, the old city of jerusalem – must-see sites, camping in israel, tzfat in the 20 th century.

During the 1929 riots, 18 Jews were murdered by the attack of hundreds of Arabs on the Jewish establishment. On 16 th April 1948, during the War of Independence, Tzfat’s Arabs, who outmanned and outgunned the Jews, sieged the Jewish quarter in Tzfat and took over of all the strategic high spots of the city, including Mount Kna’an and the Fortress Hill.

On 1st of May, the Palmach attacked the area and on 10th May, through fierce fights, conquered back these strategic spots. With the defeat of the Arab forces, most of the Tzfat’s Arabs fled the city and the whole of Tzfat was conquered by the Palmach.

At the end of the War of Independence, most of the Arab neighborhoods were destroyed to prevent from Arab refugees returning to the city. At the same time, immigrants were coming to live in the old Arabic quarter and the newer parts of the city.

During the last 20 years, more and more Hassidim came live in Tzfat, establishing religious neighborhoods and giving the city its current religious characteristics.

Sites of Ancient Tzfat It is highly recommended that you take a tour of the old Jewish quarter, a small quarter with a maze of beautiful alleys, telling the amazing story of the Jewish establishment and its endurance during the War of Independence until it was conquered by the Palmach. Note that during Sabbath and Jewish holidays, most sites are closed. Here are some of the recommended sites by Israel in Style tours:

The Ari Synagogue

From the main street, Jerusalem street, there are two alleys leading to a square called “Hamaginim Square” (the Square of the Protectors). To the right of the square, you will see stairs that lead you to the Synagogue.

Named after Rabbi Isaac Luria, father of the Kabbalah and mysticism, this is a synagogue you must visit.

Inside the synagogue you will see a magnificent and unique Torah ark, with unique artistic engravings and ornaments.

The synagogue was destroyed during an earthquake in 1837 and rebuilt in 1985.

Abuhab Synagogue

The ancient Torah book inside the synagogue, a very special and sacred Torah book, was written by Rabbi Isaac Abuhab, under its pen-name Menorat ha-Or (The Lamp of light).

The synagogue is built as a dome, ornamented by blue wall paintings and ancient chandeliers coming down from its ceiling.

Maran Yosef Caro’s Synagogue

The Synagogue is attributed to Rabbi Yosef Caro, author of “Shulchan Aruch”, who died in 1575. Underneath the synagogue, there is a small curved room, where, according to tradition, an angel looking like the “Magid” appeared before Rabbi Caro and the visions from that event were written in his book “Magid Meisharim”.

The synagogue was destroyed in 1837 and restored in 1847.

The ancient cemetery

This ancient cemetery is the burial place of some of the greatest scholars: the Ari, Rabbi Yosef Caro, Rabbi Yosef Beirav and Rabbi Moshe Cordovero, the infant who according to the tradition started talking miraculously, revealing enigmas and secrets.

According to the common tradition, the cemetery holds some ancient tombs as well, such as the tomb of Rabbi Pinhas Ben-Yair, the son-in-law of Rabbi Shimon Bar-Yochai, the tomb of one of the Ten Martyrs and the tomb of Hanna and her seven sons who gave their lives on Kiddush Hashem.

This Cemetery has also the Graves of the three Lehi soldiers and nine Etzel soldiers who were sentenced by the British and the Egyptians to death by hanging. Ten of them were hanged and two of them committed suicide just before they were due to be executed.   

If you are coming from Amud stream, you will pass this cemetery on your way to Tzfat, so make sure to pay it a visit.

Printing Art museum

Going up the Madregot Street is the Printing Art museum with a thrilling exhibition for those who love the history of ancient printing machines, printouts collections, and ancient books.

The very first printing house in the middle east was established in 1576, by Eliezer and Avraham Ashkenazi.

The Tzfat Fortress

Those of you who like antiques can climb up to the Crusader fortress at the top of the hill, surrounded by tunnels and walls, with towers in its center, renovated by the Mamelukes.

The ancient fortress was overseeing the city and some say it was established by Yosef Ben-Matityahu, who was the commander in the Jewish revolt against the Romans in 66 BC.

Some excavations found portions of walls, domes, water wells and the remains of a gate from the Crusaders era and onwards. Some iron cannon balls were also found, smoking pipes as well as ceramic and porcelain vessels.

Today you can find, on the mountain top, a big park with a memorial monument commemorating the 42 Jewish warriors who died during the War of Independence fights in Tzfat and the remains of the fortress built by Dahar al-Omar on the ruins of the Crusaders fortress.

Bein Hameiri Museum

The museum is exhibiting the history of the Jewish establishment through a large collection of characters, pictures, books, working tools and housewares from the history of Tzfat.

The museum is open on Sunday – Thursday, from 08:30 am – 14:30 pm and on Fridays and holiday eves, from 08:30 am – 13:30 pm.

It is recommended to schedule the tour in advance on +972-4-6921939

The Bible Museum

The museum, located at the top of the mountain, near the Fortress Hill in Hativat Yifrah street, is a private art collection museum, presenting pictures of biblical stories.

The museum was established in 1984 by the Artist Philip Ratner and presents its various artwork.

Phone: +972-4-6999972

Artist Quarters

Close to the Jewish quarter are the remains of the Arabic quarter, deserted in 1948. The original shape of this Arabic village was fully reserved and is all made of houses built close to one another on the steep slope, entwined with vine arbors in their inner yards.

In 1948 a group of artists settled in the deserted village and during the golden era, there were 60 artists residing in the village.

A tour in the village can easily keep you busy for two or three extremely fun hours.

The highlight of the tour is the Isaac Frankel museum, located in a magnificent building with an inner yard.

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הילד כבר גדול והגיע לגיל מצווה שנת בר המצווה היא שנה חשובה מאוד בחייו של נער מתבגר. נהוג להתייחס לילד כגבר בהגיעו לגיל זה. במסורת

Live music for events in Israel can upgrade every event. Live music is more passionate and more communicative than a simple D.J. stand. Music is

Church of the Holy Sepulchre A favorite destination among Christians and others, this 6th century church was built on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and

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Galil – Golan Overnight Tour

Galilee Golan Tour

Spectacular views and scenery are only the beginning of what the Galil and Golan Heights have to offer. Explore the land where R’ Yochanan ben Zakkai was born and R’ Shimon bar Yochai hid from the Romans. See incredible wonders of nature and connect with historic examples of holiness and bravery. Kivrei tzaddikim, ancient battle sites, modern day adventure and incredible nature reserves are sure to inspire! Our Golan, Galilee and Tzfat Tour is a must.   Click here  to contact us. This is available as a one or two day tour. The full two day tour is described in this page.

Day 1: Tzfat, Meiron and the Galilee

• Breathtaking drive through the Judean Mountains.
• Pass by the Jordan Valley War Memorial
• Daven at the kever of Rabbi Akiva and at the kever of the Rambam in Teveria
• Visit Amukah – the kever of Rabbi Yonosan ben Uziel. A famous prayer spot for unmarried people. It is said that one who davens there will find their spouse within a year.
• A spectacular walking tour of Tzfat (Safed). Wind your way through ancient alleyways, visit beautiful synagogues and explore the artists’ colony.
• Visit Safed Candles, the famous candle factory outlet that handcrafts candles in many unique colors and shapes including scenes from Tanach and Jewish history.
• Pray at the Tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron.

Hotel accommodations and glatt mehadrin food arrangements.

Day 2 – The Golan Heights

• Swim at the separate beach on the Kinneret. Summer only.
• Visit Katzrin – a fascinating re-creation of a complete ancient Talmudic village. This open air museum is built on the standing ruins of the ancient farming village of Katzrin. Some of the buildings have been totally reconstructed and are complete with the types of furnishings, housewares and tools mentioned in the Talmud.
• See the Golan Heights Museum – featuring elaborately carved lintels and columns recovered from ancient synagogues and a room dedicated to the story of the ancient town of Gamla. (Time permitting.)
• See a waterfall. (Time permitting.)
• Visit an inspirational battle site of the Six Day War and explore the Syrian bunkers that still remain or Har Bental – at 1,200 meters above sea level, this breathtaking lookout is one of Israel’s key strategic points. From here you can see deep into Syrian territory and also much of the Golan. One of the most epic tank battles in world history took place here during the Yom Kippur War. 160 Israeli tanks defeated 1,500 Syrian tanks!
• Tour a mehadrin Chocolate Factory. Very popular site with people of all ages! (Additional entrance fee of $17 per person. Based on demand.)

Click here   to contact us!

Galil-Tzfat & Golan Tour info:

One day options of either tour are also available.

Time: 8:45am on Day 1 until 9:30pm on Day 2

Fee: $240 for two day tour (not including hotel, dinner or lunch.)  (A minimum of 18 participants for this price and to include some entrance fees.)

Online booking is available below for selected dates, or you can call the office in Israel on 718-701-3690 or 02-587-1718 to book all dates (within 15 hours of tour: 0522-40-90-30) .

Click here to book selected dates, for all other dates please contact us

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The Mysteries of the Old Town of Tzfat and Mount Meron

Activities:

Begin the day with a hike - level can be fit to your ability. - We offer 3 options of hikes, in different levels - on the beautiful Mount Meron - the tallest peak west of the Jordan, offering superb views towards Lebanon, the Galilee, and the Hula valley.

Hike on Mount Meron - 1. Slow easy hike - take the Summit Path for an easy, circular hike around the top of mountain, pausing at the frequent viewing points to gaze at the panorama. The path is suitable for all ages, but not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers. What's the verdict? 3km (1.8 Miles), 108m elevation (355ft), 146m descent (476ft). 2. intermediate level hike - From the top of Mount Meron we will walk on the path of the Israel Trail downwards. We will visit the ruins of an old Jewish village, from 19th Century, located on a more ancient, and mostly uncovered, village from Byzantine Era (circa 5th Century CE). The trail then will lead us through lashing cultivated areas of the Meron Mount, to Zeved Sring - a seasonal spring and a wonderful viewpoint to the Eastern Galilee. We will continue, mostly downhill, towards the Modern village of Meron, passing the remains and ancient Synagogue - AND the mysterious "chair" - that awaits the return of the prophet Elijah. What's the verdict? 5.5km (3.5 Miles). 500m descent (1650ft). 3. For in-shape and more experienced hikers - hike from Meron and Amud valleys all the way to Tzfat: Walking by the old flour mill, gushing springs and green Mediterranean forest - and ascending all the way to the mysteries of the Artists Colony in Tzfat. During out hike we will have a break to relax in some of the most fantastic refreshing water pools in the Galilee. By the water we will also see the old fulling mill, that served the textile industry of the Jewish community in Tzfat in the 16th century. The variety of flora on this trail is staggering - on top of the Oak and Cherub trees that are abundant in the Galilee, we will encounter Willows, Laurels, Judas Tree, and huge Plane trees - the largest wild tree in Israel, as well as classic local fruit trees, such as Pomegranate, Olive and Fig. We will climb from the valley to the city of Tzfat, and after a suitable break, continue to the next part of our tour. What's the verdict? 5.5km (3.5 Miles). 225m descent (738ft). 350m elevation (1148ft).

Continue to Tzfat - Tour the city of Tzfat which sits at a higher altitude than any other city in Israel and has been known since the 16th century as a major center of Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism. The old synagogues, narrow alleyways and artists’ studios add to the city’s charm.

Tour in Tzfat - Jewish mysticism's birthplace - The city of Tzfat (also spelled Tsfat or Safed) is one of 4 holy cities in Jewish tradition, together with Tiberias, Hebron, and, naturally, Jerusalem. It resided on the top of Mount Canaan that is overlooking the green tops of Mount Meron on its west' and the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights on the east. The city has become the center of Kabbalah scholars in the 16th century, many of them refugees (and descendants of refugees) of the traumatic Expulsion from Spain (1492). The setting of the city, coupled with the attempt to rebuild the shattered Jewish community and Jewish identity, inspired some of these renowned Rabbis to explore the hidden secrets of Judaism, the Tora ( aka - 5 books of Moses), and the principles of Kabballah as they are obscurely worded in the 13th-century founding book of Kabbalah - Zohar ("The Glow"). As part of our tour, we will walk in the alleyways of Tzfat, visit some of the main Synagogues of the city, and have a chat with one of the Kaballah-inspired artists that reside in the ancient part of town.

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• Health Insurance It is a condition of your booking through Via Sabra / Israel4All, as well as the State of Israel, that you obtain travel health insurance which includes coverage for COVID-19. Please note that you may be denied boarding of your flight to Israel if you cannot show proof of this when you check in for your flight.
• Travel Insurance  In addition, we strongly recommend that you purchase full travel insurance which includes coverage for ‘cancellation under any circumstances and for any reason’. It is recommended to purchase insurance as soon as the booking is made, as this coverage is often dependent on purchasing as close to the time of booking. You can purchase travel insurance through our partner, Travel Insured, an experienced company and one of the largest in the industry,  through this link .

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Balance for the trip is due no later than 60 days prior to the first day of trip. An invoice will be sent 90 days before the trip.

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• The itinerary is subject to change as a result of unforeseen changes from suppliers, weather, etc.
• This proposal is valid for 1 week for private clients, and 10 days for groups. 

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Bookings can be cancelled within 48 hours AFTER REGISTRATION, with a full refund.

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·         Up to 60 days prior to departure, any payments above the deposit towards the trip will be refunded. The deposit is non-refundable.

·         60-30 days prior to departure, 50% of the total tour cost per person will be refunded.

·         29-0 days prior to departure, the client will incur 100% of the cost of the tour.

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• Tzfat (Safed)

A short account of Tzfat (Safed), given by your Israel & Jerusalem private tour guide

Tzfat is located high in the mountains of the Galilee, 2,900 ft. above sea level. This is the reason why it has very nice weather most of the year. Perhaps this is also why Tzfat has been considered a highly spiritual place since the late Middle Ages. Wandering through the lovely alleys of old Tzfat certainly gives you that feeling.

A bit of history

The city of Tzfat began when the Crusaders built a huge fortress there in the 12th-13th centuries on top of a mountain, below which a small civilian population lived, including perhaps, a few Jews.

Tzfat remained a small town until the 16th century, when the Ottoman Turks conquered the country. Many Sephardic Jews came to live in Tzfat, amongst them many well-known scholars, such as Rabbi Yosef Caro, Moshe Kordovero and Shlomo Alkabetz. The city developed a great deal during the mid-1500’s. Spiritual life flourished and Kabbalah – Jewish mysticism – was developed to a great extent by Rabbi Itzhak Luria.

From the time of the 1570’s, Tzfat declined quite rapidly like the rest of the country, due to the government’s corruption. In addition to plagues, two major earthquakes destroyed the city completely, and killed thousands of people. Only after World War I, did the British Mandate push Tzfat forward, once again.

During the War of Independence in 1947-8, the Jewish quarter came under severe attack. Tzfat was about to fall, when the Palmach forces entered the city, and the entire Arab population fled.

After the war, the Arab quarter was settled with Israeli artists, who wanted to start an artists’ colony there. Until today, the artists’ colony is thriving, while the old Jewish quarter is still populated with Orthodox Jews. Today, Tzfat’s population numbers 30,000.

How can we enjoy Tzfat?

Absorbing the spiritual side of Tzfat is not achieved only by wandering through the beautiful old alleys, but also by meeting people. As we walk through the artists’ colony, we can enter artists’ homes and galleries, and speak with them, get on a roof to take in the amazing view, see and hear how life is in the old Jewish quarter, and also visit a couple of synagogues. We will not forget, of course, to hunt for gifts in the bazaar, or have a delicious lunch in the main square.

          Did you enjoy your virtual tour?  We can make it come true.

                           just  contact  me and we will do it together, share this story, choose your platform, about the author: gilad suffrin.

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Safed & golan heights tour, tour details.

• Explore Safed and Golan Heights with the most professional tour guides.
• Visit Safed - The center of Jewish mysticism.
• Visit the Synagogue of Ari Ha'Kadosh.
• A great view on Hula Valley!

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The tour includes: .

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• Confirmation will be received 24 hours post booking.

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• Cancellation fee of 5% charged for Cancellation up to 72 hours in advance.
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David Amiel: Tour Guide/Historian of Tzfat

A heritage in tzfat.

For many years, Tzfat was the most hospitable city in Israel for Jews to live. Beginning with the Jews who returned to Israel after the Spanish and Portuguese Expulsions in the late 1400s, Jews who chose to come to Israel had few choices. Economic opportunities for Jews were limited in Jerusalem and by the 18th century, the ruling Turks would not allow Ashkanazi Jews to live in Jerusalem at all because of a collective community debt. Hebron was even more desolate, and the Jews there were prone to frequent attacks by the surrounding Arab population. So most Jews chose to come to either Tzfat or Tiberias, in the north of the land. Such was the case with the Amiel family, who came to Tzfat from Portugal in 1606. For eleven generations, this family lived in Tzfat, through the best of times, as well as through earthquakes , pogroms and famine. Today, David Amiel, scion of this family, guides tour groups through the lanes of Tzfat's Old City and Artists Quarter . He sees his work as an important part of his heritage, and isn't content to simply relay the history of the city and its sites.....he imbues his clients with information about the city, its customs, traditions, background, and spirituality. He walks the streets of the city while leading these visitors in song, and always has many stories and legends to tell about Tzfat.

A Unique Knowledge

David's background gives him a unique background and ability to give visitors a full tour. His family history gave him a particular interest in Tzfat's history, and his academic credentials include a M.A. in History and Philosophy, with his Master's thesis on "The Influences of Kabbalah on the Shabtai Tzvi Movement". (Shabtai Tzvi was a false messiah of the 17th century who misled a huge segment of the Jewish World, including many great Rabbis, of the day. When he was denounced, and subsequently converted to Islam, it was akin to a spiritual catastrophe for the Jews of the day, who had been misled by Tzvi, as well as their own leadership). Because Tzfat was such a huge center of the Jewish community of Israel throughout the 15th - 19th centuries, their descendents can today be found scattered throughout the world, and it is not uncommon for people from lands as far-flung as Australia, Brazil, South Africa, and everywhere in-between to arrive in Tzfat asking if "anyone knows where my great-great-great-grandmother Zissel Goldenfarb's house is" and "does anyone know if there are any descendents left in Tzfat?"

If You're Looking For Some Answers

The person who is best equipped to answer those questions is, of course, David, who doesn't bother with the records and archives that could be researched. His own studies have given him an almost-encyclopedic knowledge of where the Goldfarb house was, as well as which Goldfarbs married whom, who moved where, and where family connections might be found. Numerous times, with no request for compensation, David has made himself available to visitors to help them research their family histories in Tzfat. He has never been known to make a mistake. David is as enthusiastic in his work today as he was when he started seventeen years ago "Today" he says "tourists aren't content with just hearing about the history of Tzfat. They want to feel the city, to know about Kabbalah and mysticism, to learn about the art of Tzfat, and to understand the religious community here. That's what I'm here for, and it's my pleasure to be a part of their visit here". To contact David: (054)319-8923 or [email protected] . David guides in English, Hebrew and French.

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Visit the historical sites and synagogues in tzfat.

• By Susan R. Eisenstein
• | March 9, 2023

According to archaeologists, the Jewish history of Tzfat dates back over 2,000 years. And according to archaeologists, Tzfat is the only location in Israel that has had an almost uninterrupted Jewish presence since the time of the Maccabees. Some of the most illustrious scholars of Jewish history have been residents of Tzfat.

Additionally, Tzfat is known throughout the Jewish world as the center for Jewish spirituality and mysticism. Located in the mountains of the Upper Galilee, Tzfat is one of the four holy cities of Judaism (the others being Jerusalem, Hebron and Tiberias). Every corner and alleyway leads the visitor on a journey filled with inspiring stories of the mystical masters who made Tzfat their home 500 years ago and still make their mark on Jewish life today.

So it is not surprising that Tzfat would have many historic sites and synagogues. You would think that these sites and synagogues would be easily accessible to visitors. However, Laurie Rappeport, administrator/creator of the noncommercial website Safed-home.com, who worked for 13 years in the Tzfat Tourist Information Center and is still involved in the city’s tourism, said that accessibility to Tzfat’s historic sites and synagogues may not be so easy.

“There is nothing so organized about Tzfat sites,” said Rappeport. “The synagogues have caretakers and gabbis who are tasked by the committees with keeping up the synagogue. Most don’t know English.

“As to the hours that the sites can be visited, it’s very fluid,” Rappeport continued. “The Ari Ashkenazi and Abuhav are generally open during the daytime but if they’re hosting a bar/bat mitzvah, they close to the public. Yoseph Caro synagogue is open whenever the caretaker feels like opening it. Ari Sephardi synagogue is generally open all day but it’s a long walk to get down to the street where the synagogue is located from the main part of town. The cemetery is always accessible but, again, it’s a long walk down. The Metzuda/citadel castle is an open site. The Cave of Shem and Ever can be seen from the outside but the actual cave is only open on Shabbat.”

Licensed tour guide Adam Bodenstein of Uncover Israel Tours, who specializes in the Old City, Tzfat, the Galilee and the Golan Heights, agrees with Rappeport. “There are three other shuls [besides the Ari Ashkenazi] that travelers to Tzfat might enjoy visiting that do not have consistent opening hours, the Ari Sephardi, Alsheich and Rabbi Yosef Caro shuls.”

So what to do? You can visit Tzfat with virtual tours. There are self-guided video tours. Safed-home.com’s tours include Yosef Caro Synagogue, Ari Ashkenazi Synagogue, Ari Sephardi Synagogue, Ari Mikvah, Abuhav Synagogue, Auritch Synagogue, Cave of Shem and Ever and more.

Then there is “Simtaot,” a new tourism experience in Tzfat, which aims to make the story of Tzfat accessible for everyone. Through an interactive experience, with easy access through their smartphone, visitors will be able to easily enter the site and watch a virtual tour, for free. This tour will guide them through the story of Tzfat at different periods of history, accompanied by incredible local stories.

But if you are visiting Tzfat and want to see the historic sites and shuls in person, a tour guide is the answer.

Medad Shalem is local, English-speaking, and comes highly recommended, according to Rappeport and dozens of reviews on Google Maps. Shalem has been a tour guide for over 20 years and likes to share the stories and his love of this amazing city with tourists.

Shalem described one of his tours. “On this tour we’ll meet the kabbalists of Tzfat from the 16th Century, especially the Holy Ari. We’ll go to the spot where the custom of singing Lecha Dodi started. We’ll hear the story of the surprising event that occurred in the middle of the great earthquake that destroyed the city. We’ll see houses over 500 years old that were hidden from the eyes of all for many years and the most beautiful synagogue in Tzfat, the Rabbi Isaac Abuhav Synagogue. We will also see the place where the maggid would appear to Rabbi Yosef Caro, author of the Shulchan Aruch. We will also experience a beautiful view of the Galil from one of the roofs in Tzfat’s Old City. And we will hear the story that took place at the end of the narrowest alley in Tzfat. We will hear about the miracle that occurred in Tzfat during the War of Independence when the city was liberated.” Shalem’s tours can be customized to fit the needs of groups, individuals and families.

Bodenstein offers a two-hour highlight tour, where visitors discover Tzfat from top to bottom. “Through the stories of the Kabbalists,” he said, “the visitor will begin to understand the spirit of this quiet, yet spiritually energized town. From breathtaking views to the old synagogues and even a behind-the-scenes tour of recent archaeological findings from 16th Century Tzfat in the heart of the Old City, we’ll try to understand the vibe of Tzfat from its stones, buildings, stories and people.” A more in-depth, four-hour tour includes everything in his highlight tour, plus exploration of the upper area of the Old City, with a gorgeous view from the top, as well as a look underground into the heart of the mountain and an 800-year-old Mameluke cistern.

“One of the most significant figures in Jewish history was Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, also known as the Ari HaKadosh or the Arizal. There are two shuls in Tzfat named after him, the Ari Sephardi shul, the oldest shul in Tzfat, over 600 years old, and the Ari Ashkenazi shul,” Bodenstein said. “We can visit the Ari Ashkenazi shul, built after the passing of the Arizal about 400 years ago and reconstructed in the mid-1800s. This small, unassuming shul sits on the very spot, according to tradition, where the Arizal would come on Erev Shabbat with his students dressed in their finest white robes to welcome the Shabbat Queen. They would sing ‘Lecha Dodi,’ and [that] gave the Jewish people our Friday night experience as we know it in Kabbalat Shabbat.”

Bodenstein continued: “Tzfat is certainly a town with miraculous stories in every corner. Tzfat never ceases to teach me something new or to surprise me.”

Tzfat also comes alive underground. Today, much of the city has been built on the ruins of the 1837 earthquake. In 1837, Rabbi Avraham Dov of Avritch (the Bat Ayin) was in his shul davening when suddenly he screamed out to the congregation, “If you want to live, throw yourselves against the Aron Kodesh!” A moment later a massive earthquake hit Tzfat, and the shul collapsed, leaving only the Aron Kodesh. The congregants survived.

Livnot U’Lehibanot, an Israel experience program based in Tzfat, has uncovered extensive rooms, mikvahs, water cisterns and a large bakery under the ruins of Tzfat’s Old City. Aharon Botzer, executive director and founder, started the nonprofit in 1980. It has been an important component of other “Israel experience” programs, and offers “The Spiritual Tunnel Tour,” where the visitor is taken on a journey back in time to the period of “The Golden Age of Tzfat,” following the deportees from Spain who settled in Tzfat. Livnot U’Lehibanot invites individuals, families, groups, schools, students, soldiers, bar/bat mitzvah and family events, tourists—everyone—to enjoy this unique tour of Tzfat.

For more information on any of the Tzfat tours mentioned, contact Laurie Rappeport: https://www.safed-home.com , Medad Shalem: [email protected] or https://medadshalemtours.yolasite.com/safed-tour-guide.php , Adam Bodenstein: +972-50-441-5512 or [email protected] or http://www.uncoverisrael.net or visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IyhX_qCyjoc , Simtaot: https://www.livnot.org/simtaot-zefat-alleys/ , Aharon Botzer/Livnot U’Lehibanot: https.//www.livnot.com or +972-52-429-5376, or 1-888-LIVNOT

Susan R. Eisenstein is a longtime Jewish educator, passionate about creating special, innovative activities for her students. She is also passionate about writing about Jewish topics and about Israel. She has two master’s degrees and a doctorate in education from Columbia University.

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Ancient Tzfat Synagogues

January 2nd 2015

The Ari Sephardic Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in Tzfat. During the 16th century, it was a favorite place of prayer for The AriZal (Rabbi Isaac Luria), who especially appreciated the view of Mt. Meron’s burial site of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, as afforded from the synagogue’s windows.

The Ashkenazi HaAri Synagogue also dates from the 16th century. The aforementioned Rabbi Isaac Luria prayed the Kabbalat Shabbat service at this spot on Friday nights, and a synagogue was later built on the site. Don’t miss the Holy Ark, crafted from olive wood. Above the Holy Ark is the human-like face of a lion, said to be a tribute to the kabalistic majesty of The Ari, whose moniker means lion.

Originally founded in the 16th century, The Yosef Caro Synagogue, like many structures in Tzfat, was destroyed twice by earthquakes and rebuilt each time. During this institution’s third generation of refurbishments, an Italian marble floor, still visible today, was installed by an Italian philanthropist named Guetta. Local legend has it that half the budget allotted to the reconstruction was spent on construction, and the other half was buried underground to be used when the messiah comes.

Known also as the Bannai Shul, named after the Talmud’s Rabbi Yossi Bannai, The Tzaddik HaLavan Synagogue is one of the three oldest synagogues in Tzfat. Built atop Bannai’s gravesite, the building been maintained by the Shababo family for 400 years. Closed to the general public except on Shabbat, the synagogue can be opened for visitors by special arrangement. Be sure to ask about the Miracle of the Roosters and the significance of the dominant blue color.

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