Safed (Hebrew: צפת Tsfat) is a city in the Upper Galilee region of Israel, and is one of the oldest centers for Jewish learning and spirituality, home to the Kabbalah movement which is popular with celebrities.
Located at an altitude of 900 meters (2,953 ft), Safed, is the highest city in the Galilee and of Israel. Due to its high altitude, Safed, experiences pleasantly warm summers and cold, and often snowy winters.
It is the birthplace of Lurianic Kabbalah, and one of the main bastions for Torah study and the like during the centuries of Ottoman rule. It is one of the four holiest cities in Judaism, along with Hebron, Tiberias, and of course Jerusalem. While there are many stories about when it was founded, and by whom, it truly grew to prominence in the late 15th century when it became a refuge for Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition.
It is a cute, quaint city in the north of Israel. In more recent times, thanks to its beautiful setting surrounded by pine forests, and its agreeable, mild summers, Safed has developed into a summer holiday resort much frequented by Israelis and also foreign visitors. It has also become popular as an artists' colony apart from its religious significance, its nature and its pleasant summers.
Also, if you want to see religious and missed the Jerusalem Haredi neighborhoods, this is the place you want go to – specially around the synagogues.
There are a number of old, beautiful, and unique synagogues in Safed, some of them rather famous world-wide among the Jewish community. These include:
- Ari Ashkenazi synagogue. In memory of Rabbi Isaac Luria. Normally open for visitors on weekdays and boasts an ornate ark.
- Ari Sepharadi synagogue. Considered the oldest synagogue in the city. Only open for prayers on the Sabbath.
- Abuhav synagogue. Unique, beautiful, and most famous. It was built in the 1490s according to Kabbalistic architectural and spiritual beliefs.
- Yosef Karo synagogue. Another popular landmark, established in the 16th century on the site of a yeshiva run by Rabbi Yosef Karo, author of the Shulchan Aruch (the most authoritative code of Jewish law).
As in other synagogues, visitors should dress appropriately; this means covered legs (no shorts or short skirts), no bare shoulders/upper arms, and all men must cover their heads. (Synagogue personnel provide head coverings and shawls for travelers who come to visit the sites).
- Ancient Cemetery. the burial place of many famous Rabbis and is a common destination for visitors to Safed looking for answers to their prayers. Some famous Jewish personalities buried there include:
- The Arizal (Rabbi Isaac Luria), the famous kabbalist of the 16th century.
- Rabbi Joseph Karo, the author of the Shulchan Aruch, the definitive code of Jewish Law.
- Rabbi Moshe Cordevero (the Ramak), a famous kabbalist predating the Arizal.
- Chana and her seven sons, the martyred family from the time of the Temple.
- Cave of Shem and Ever. According to Jewish sources, Shem (son of Noah) and his great-grandson Ever ran a yeshiva (house of Jewish study). There is a tradition that this unimpressive-looking cave in Safed was the site of their yeshiva. How did this cave come to be identified as such? The Torah is divided into two parts - hidden and revealed - and one might assume they were not studying the revealed Torah, since Moses had not yet been born. So they must have been studying the hidden Torah. And where better to do that than in Safed?
Ari Ashkenazi synagogue. In memory of Rabbi Isaac Luria. Normally open for visitors on weekdays and boasts an ornate ark.
Ari Sepharadi synagogue. Considered the oldest synagogue in the city. Only open for prayers on the Sabbath.
Abuhav synagogue. Unique, beautiful, and most famous. It was built in the 1490s according to Kabbalistic architectural and spiritual beliefs.
Yosef Karo synagogue. Another popular landmark, established in the 16th century on the site of a yeshiva run by Rabbi Yosef Karo, author of the Shulchan Aruch (the most authoritative code of Jewish law).
Ancient Cemetery. the burial place of many famous Rabbis and is a common destination for visitors to Safed looking for answers to their prayers. Some famous Jewish personalities buried there include:
- The Arizal (Rabbi Isaac Luria), the famous kabbalist of the 16th century.
- Rabbi Joseph Karo, the author of the Shulchan Aruch, the definitive code of Jewish Law.
- Rabbi Moshe Cordevero (the Ramak), a famous kabbalist predating the Arizal.
- Chana and her seven sons, the martyred family from the time of the Temple.
Cave of Shem and Ever. According to Jewish sources, Shem (son of Noah) and his great-grandson Ever ran a yeshiva (house of Jewish study). There is a tradition that this unimpressive-looking cave in Safed was the site of their yeshiva. How did this cave come to be identified as such? The Torah is divided into two parts - hidden and revealed - and one might assume they were not studying the revealed Torah, since Moses had not yet been born. So they must have been studying the hidden Torah. And where better to do that than in Safed?
- Crusader fortress. Located at the very top of the Safed hill, the fortress is interesting to explore. The view from it is spectacular, overlooking Mount Meron, the Sea of Galilee, and far beyond. Bring a flash light for the hall/cave, with its entrance at the southern side of the little lower track circling the top.
- Mount Canaan. The very best view in Safed. Essentially the same view as from the Crusader Fortress, but better because it includes ancient Safed itself.
- HaMeiri Museum for Safed History, 158 Keren Hayesod Street, +972 4-6971307.
- Museum of Hungarian Jewry.
- Artist colony. In the Old City including the Exhibition Centre in Safed Big Mosque.
- Statue Garden and the Gallery of sculptor Moshe Ziffer
- The Red Khan - a significant Mameluk palace
- Safed Tourist Information Center, Rehov Alkabetz 17, +972 50 893-9042, +972 4 692-4427. A good place to get a first overview of Safed. The Center provides maps and guidebooks as well as information about tour guides, accommodations, and more. There is a 10-minute movie that gives an overview of the history of Safed, as well as 500-year-old antiquities which, now uncovered, offer visitors an opportunity to see the original rooms and buildings of Safed of the 1500s and 1600s. Through the Information Center, individuals and groups can experience Safed through hiking, Tzfat-Theatre, storytelling, musical tours, discussions and lectures about Judaism, sessions of Ask the Rabbi, and explanations of mysticism in Safed. There are also interactive workshops and seminars which include writing tefillin, challah-baking, candle-making, tying Tzitzit, songs, etc.
- The city also boasts a growing number of small, private art galleries, many of which have little cafes or tourist shops attached, selling postcards, t-shirts, and other basic tourist goods.
Crusader fortress. Located at the very top of the Safed hill, the fortress is interesting to explore. The view from it is spectacular, overlooking Mount Meron, the Sea of Galilee, and far beyond. Bring a flash light for the hall/cave, with its entrance at the southern side of the little lower track circling the top.
Mount Canaan. The very best view in Safed. Essentially the same view as from the Crusader Fortress, but better because it includes ancient Safed itself.
HaMeiri Museum for Safed History, 158 Keren Hayesod Street, +972 4-6971307.
Museum of Hungarian Jewry.
Artist colony. In the Old City including the Exhibition Centre in Safed Big Mosque.
Statue Garden and the Gallery of sculptor Moshe Ziffer
The Red Khan - a significant Mameluk palace
Safed Tourist Information Center, Rehov Alkabetz 17, +972 50 893-9042, +972 4 692-4427. A good place to get a first overview of Safed. The Center provides maps and guidebooks as well as information about tour guides, accommodations, and more. There is a 10-minute movie that gives an overview of the history of Safed, as well as 500-year-old antiquities which, now uncovered, offer visitors an opportunity to see the original rooms and buildings of Safed of the 1500s and 1600s. Through the Information Center, individuals and groups can experience Safed through hiking, Tzfat-Theatre, storytelling, musical tours, discussions and lectures about Judaism, sessions of Ask the Rabbi, and explanations of mysticism in Safed. There are also interactive workshops and seminars which include writing tefillin, challah-baking, candle-making, tying Tzitzit, songs, etc.
- International Klezmer Festival. Each year in mid-August, tens of thousands of people come to this festival celebrating klezmer music (Ashkenazi Jewish folk music). Free concerts by leading performers are held in the old city's ancient streets.
International Klezmer Festival. Each year in mid-August, tens of thousands of people come to this festival celebrating klezmer music (Ashkenazi Jewish folk music). Free concerts by leading performers are held in the old city's ancient streets.
After Jerusalem, Tsfat is probably the best place in Israel to get Jewish cultural and religious items, as well as quality artwork. A narrow cobblestone street is lined with open-air shops selling everything from menorahs to mezuzahs, Seder plates and Shabbat candlesticks to swords and other historical/cultural items. These shops are also known for pictures that are made up of the words of songs or Scripture. For a more intimate experience of the inspiration behind Tsfat's artwork, seek out artists' private galleries throughout the Old City and Artists' Colony.
- Nerot Tzfat. Sells beautiful candles in every size, shape, and color, as well as displaying a number of scenes in wax, including David & Goliath, Noah's Ark, and a wedding.
- Dreams and Visions Gallery, Tet-Vav St. #7, Artist's Colony (Near the bus parking lot, across from the General Exhibition., +972 54-571-1676. 9AM-6PM. A graduate of Princeton University, Safed artist, Sheva Chaya draws on her professional artistic training to bring Dreams and Visions to life through her vibrant artwork. Sheva Chaya utilizes glassblowing demonstrations and her lively watercolor paintings to elucidate Jewish mystical concepts and traditional liturgy which inspire her work. Small and large group presentation topics include: The Kabbalah of Glassblowing, The Precious Land of Israel, Expressionist Watercolor, and Women's Wisdom.
- SouzaKohn Gallery, 51 Bar Yochi St., Old City (Near 'Defenders Square' and 'Messiah Alley'., +972 55-660-0196. 9AM-6PM Sunday - Thursday, and 9AM - 2PM Friday. Keren SouzaKohn graduated from the Ravensbourne College of Art and has since been exhibiting her prints, drawings, watercolours and oils widely, both in London and internationally. Her work references among others that of El Greco, Titian, Rembrandt, Goya, Matisse, Hilton, Eva Hesse, Sandra Blow and Philip Guston. Keren is the daughter of the late Francis Newton Souza. Aware of her heritage she is able to forge new ground, speaking a new beguiling but poignant Language of our time. She is interested in abstracted figuration, in the co-existence of divinity within our physical planet. Her love of colour is evident. Hot, spicy or cool. A juxtaposition of the unexpected produces dramatic composition with a strong narrative, sometimes subliminal, sometimes overt, obvious and for the taking. Dreams and journeys, moments seen and caught, sometimes struggling to emerge, revisited through further drawings and paintings.
In the old Jewish Quarter, you will find the kabbalistic galleries of Yoseph Saban and David Friedman on Bar Yochai St.
Buy quality artwork direct from the artist. Don't miss the opportunity to spend time with local artists and buy their quality art. Hear their stories and get a sense of how traditional Jewish sources inspire their work.
Nerot Tzfat. Sells beautiful candles in every size, shape, and color, as well as displaying a number of scenes in wax, including David & Goliath, Noah's Ark, and a wedding.
Dreams and Visions Gallery, Tet-Vav St. #7, Artist's Colony (Near the bus parking lot, across from the General Exhibition., +972 54-571-1676. 9AM-6PM. A graduate of Princeton University, Safed artist, Sheva Chaya draws on her professional artistic training to bring Dreams and Visions to life through her vibrant artwork. Sheva Chaya utilizes glassblowing demonstrations and her lively watercolor paintings to elucidate Jewish mystical concepts and traditional liturgy which inspire her work. Small and large group presentation topics include: The Kabbalah of Glassblowing, The Precious Land of Israel, Expressionist Watercolor, and Women's Wisdom.
SouzaKohn Gallery, 51 Bar Yochi St., Old City (Near 'Defenders Square' and 'Messiah Alley'., +972 55-660-0196. 9AM-6PM Sunday - Thursday, and 9AM - 2PM Friday. Keren SouzaKohn graduated from the Ravensbourne College of Art and has since been exhibiting her prints, drawings, watercolours and oils widely, both in London and internationally. Her work references among others that of El Greco, Titian, Rembrandt, Goya, Matisse, Hilton, Eva Hesse, Sandra Blow and Philip Guston. Keren is the daughter of the late Francis Newton Souza. Aware of her heritage she is able to forge new ground, speaking a new beguiling but poignant Language of our time. She is interested in abstracted figuration, in the co-existence of divinity within our physical planet. Her love of colour is evident. Hot, spicy or cool. A juxtaposition of the unexpected produces dramatic composition with a strong narrative, sometimes subliminal, sometimes overt, obvious and for the taking. Dreams and journeys, moments seen and caught, sometimes struggling to emerge, revisited through further drawings and paintings.
Falafel, shawarma, pizza, and other basic foods are relatively cheap, and very good here.
Safed is also famous for its locally made cheese (also see Artists' Colony Inn below):
- Kadosh Cheese/Dairy. One of the famous producers, invites tourists for a tasting including tea. The price of the cheese seems fair, considering the small factory. around ₪11 per 100g.
Kadosh Cheese/Dairy. One of the famous producers, invites tourists for a tasting including tea. The price of the cheese seems fair, considering the small factory. around ₪11 per 100g.
During the summer, drink water!
Safed is an ideal location for basing many day trips in the northern area of Israel. Buses, cabs, and seasonal organized group travel are available to many locations within an hour or so drive such as Rosh Haniqra, Nahariyya, Akko, the Golan Heights, Tel Dan, Monfort Lake, Tiberias, Gamla, Qiryat Shemona, Mount Hermon, and Metulla. Especially for the "mehadrin" or "glatt" traveler, basing northern trips in Safed is adventageous with the availability of mehadrin lodging and food.
For the religious traveler, there are separate beaches available in Nahariyya, Tiberias, and Haifa (Hof Hashaket/Quiet Beach).
Sites to visit near Safed:
- Pekiin - an ancient town of mixed ethnicity including Druze sites, orthodox churches and a synagogue. There is a spring at the town centre.
- Amirim - a vegetarian settlement with developed rural tourism infrastructure
- Rosh Pina - a beautiful 19th Century old town with many restaurants
- Korazim - a talmudic town with a synagogue watching over the Sea of Galilee
- Tel Hazor - a World Heritage Site. A Biblical tel with an extensive underground water system. At nearby Ayelet HaShahar there is a museum dedicated to the site.
- Hula Lake - the best site in Israel to watch migrating birds. Find out in advance which is the best time to visit the site. There is an informative film shown at the site.
Pekiin - an ancient town of mixed ethnicity including Druze sites, orthodox churches and a synagogue. There is a spring at the town centre.
Amirim - a vegetarian settlement with developed rural tourism infrastructure
Rosh Pina - a beautiful 19th Century old town with many restaurants
Korazim - a talmudic town with a synagogue watching over the Sea of Galilee
Tel Hazor - a World Heritage Site. A Biblical tel with an extensive underground water system. At nearby Ayelet HaShahar there is a museum dedicated to the site.
Hula Lake - the best site in Israel to watch migrating birds. Find out in advance which is the best time to visit the site. There is an informative film shown at the site.