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Safed [1] (Hebrew: צפת Tsfat) is one of the oldest centers for Jewish learning and spirituality, home to the Kabbalah movement which is popular with celebreties.

[edit] Understand

It is the birthplace of the 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, Shchem, 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, and has in recent years regained popularity, not only as a center for study, but also as an artists' colony.

[edit] Get in

There are direct buses from Haifa, Jerusalem and Bnai Barak. See the Egged website [2] for information on travel times and fares.

The Israel Railways [3] only get as close as Akko, but from there it is possible to take a bus to Safed.

Ayit Airways has 3 daily flights to/from Rosh Pina and Sde Dov Airport for 260 NIS per person or 185 NIS for residents of the north. Sundays - Thursdays, no weekend service. [4] - from there a 50-60 nis cab ride gets you to Safed.

[edit] Get around

Safed's old city is built in a circular fashion around a hilltop, and new neighborhoods lie on adjacent hills. There is a local bus company that runs several local lines around the town. Unofficially, cabs take a set fare for any destination in the town. This is usually cheaper than the metered value. Even more unofficially, you can get "sherut" service with the cabs at the price of the bus fare. On "sherut", the cabs travel the bus routes only. The Old City of Safed is really only accessible by foot. To make the best use of your time and to get the "inside scoop" of this fascinating town rich in history and mystical lore, a local knowledgable guide is essential; Baruch Erdstein (phone in Israel: 052-251-5134) is most highly recommended.

[edit][add listing] See

Synagogues - there are a number of old, beautiful, and unique synagogues in Tsfat, some of them rather famous world-wide among the Jewish community. These include:

• The Ari Ashkenaz and the Ari Sephard synagogues both in memory of Rabbi Isaac Luria. The Ari Ashkenaz is normally open for visitors on weekdays and boasts an ornate ark. The Ari Sephard synagogue is only open for prayers on the Sabbath.

• The "Abuhav" synagogue is probably the most unique, most beautiful, and most famous. It was built in the 1490's according to Kabbalistic architectural and spiritual beliefs.
• The "Caro" synagogue is another popular landmark, established in the 16th century on the site of a yeshiva run by one of the chief rabbis of Tsfat, and a compiler of the Shulchan Aruch, a book of Jewish law.

Both of these synagogues follow Sephardic traditions, and both, along with all the synagogues in Tsfat, and most around the country and the world, expect all visitors to be dressed appropriately; this means one must have legs covered (no shorts or short skirts), no bare shoulders/upper arms, and all men must cover their heads.

The Ancient Cemetery is the burial place of many famous Rabbis and is a common destination for visitors to Tsfat 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 redating the Arizal.

• Chana and her seven sons, the martyred family from the time of the Temple.

Some other places to see in Tsfat that shouldn't be missed:

• Tzaddik Educational Visitor's Center featuring the Third Temple Model Exhibit and Multi-Media Presentation

• Great Breslov Synagogue

• Meiri Museum for Safed History

• Printing Press Museum

• Artist colony in the Old City

• Biblical Museum in the Fortress Garden

• Statue Garden and the Gallery of sculptor Moshe Ziffer

• The sephardic Ari Synagogue

• The Ari mikve

• 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.
• Livnot U'Lehibanot, Rehov Alkabetz 17, ☎ (050)8939-042, [5]. Most tourists try to stop in the Tzfat Tourist Information Center for their first overview of Tzfat. The Center provides maps and guidebooks as well as information about tour guides, accommodations, and other information for Tzfat. There is a 10-minute movie that gives an overview of the History of Tzfat, as well as 800-year-old antiquities which, now uncovered, offer visitors an opportunity to see the original rooms and buildings of Tzfat of the 1300s and 1400s, which have been excavated by the Livnot U'Lehibanot Israel Experience Program.
  
  Through the Information Center, individuals and groups can experience Tzfat through hiking, Tzfat-Theatre, storytelling, musical tours, discussions and lectures about Judaism, sessions of Ask the Rabbi, and explanations of Mysticism in Tzfat. There are also interactive workshops and seminars which include writing tefillin, challah-baking, candle-making, tying Tzitzit, songs and much more. http://www.safed-home.com 972-4-6924427 or laurierappeport@gmail.com  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

• Dreams and Visions Gallery, Tet-Vav St. #7, Artist's Colony, Safed, ISRAEL (Near the bus parking lot, across from the General Exhibition.), ☎ 054-571-1676, [6]. 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.  edit

After Jerusalem, Tsfat is probably one of the best places in the country to get 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. At the end of this shopping street is a shop called "Nerot Tsfat," or Safed Candles. They sell 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. For a more intimate experience of the inspiration behind Tsfat's artwork, seek out artists' private galleries throughout the Old City and Artists' Colony. One such example is the Dreams and Visions Gallery (www.shevachaya.com), located near the bus parking lot, across from the General Exhibition. Here, resident artist, Sheva Chaya utilizes glassblowing demonstrations and her lively watercolor paintings to elucidate Jewish mystical concepts and traditional liturgy which inspire her work. A bit further down Tet-Vav alley, you will find the Tzfat Gallery of Mystical Art, where artist Avraham Loewenthal brings the ancient study of Kabbalah to life with his artwork. In the old Jewish Quarter, you will find the kabbalistic galleries of Yoseph Saban and David Friedman on Bar Yochai St.

Another way to explore Safed is backpacking Safed, staying in backpacker hostels and hiking the Safed area [7].

[edit] Learn

There are several Daf Yomi classes in Tsfat in several languages. Visit the non-profit Experience Tsfat Resource Guide's Classes page [8] for more information.

In addition, there are several museums in Tsfat, honoring and sharing the town's important place in Jewish history and culture. The Museum of Hungarian Jewry and the Beit Hameiri Museum, which chronicles Tsfat's local history.

[edit][add listing] Buy

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.

[edit][add listing] Eat

This section of the city is built in layers, or tiers. The shopping arcade and synagogues are on the middle level, and at the top is a more modern street, mostly cafes and restaurants, along with a number of other shops selling a variety of more mundane, secular, merchandise. Falafel, shawarma, pizza, and other basic foods are relatively cheap, and very good here.

as my famous scholar will say, "drink wata, many many wata." it is good for you!!" drink many wata"

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• The Tzimer Express Tzfat [9] Rehov Ha Ari 104 13204 Safed Israel +972 (0)52 712 7877. Tzimer Express is a different kind of hotel service, all the comforts of a home with hotel-style amenities all at a lower nightly cost then a hotel stay, the rooms & suites are centrally located in the old city of Tzfat giving you easy access to all your needs. The rooms are fully-equipped on the inside and surrounded by stunning views on the outside.

Most people staying overnight in Tsfat choose to stay at the small guest houses throughout the Old City, Artists' Quarter and the South of Tsfat. For a free list of these guest houses visit the non-profit Experience Tsfat Resource Guide [10] the lodging page [11]

Hotels include Ruth Rimmon Inn, The Ron Hotel, and the Tel Aviv Hotel.

You can stay in nearby Amirim.

• Laurie. A full listing of hotels, hostels, and guest houses of the Old City of Tzfat can be found at www.safed-home.com/accommodations.html. For more information (050)8939-042 or laurierappeport@gmail.com  edit
• Tzfat Pad, 94 David Remez St. (Right next to Abu Chatzerah Shul), ☎ +972-545-683-040, [12]. checkin: after 9 am; checkout: 4pm except sat. Great guest apartment owned by an artist that only occasionally visits safed. Apartment has large floor to ceiling windows in the living room and master bedroom with views of the galil and sea of galilee. There is an additional bedroom that has a window to the other side. Located 3-5 minutes walk from restaurants and shopping 100-150 nis per person.  edit

• Villa Galilee Hotel (Villa Galilee Hotel), Hagdud Hashlishi 106 Har Cnaan, P.O.B 2104, Zafed 13100, ☎ +972-4-6999563, [13]. Villa Galilee was built for you: unique and peaceful rooms, spacious penthouses with a terrace overlooking the view and furnished with a pampering jaccuzzi, a lovely swimming pool and a tranquil flower garden and charming little resting areas. Our restaurant offers fine cuisine inspired by the French kitchen, while our downstairs bar provides the perfect ending to any evening. For additional relaxation, treat yourself to one of our soothing treatments at our in-house spa.  edit

• Ruth Rimonim Hotel (Ruth Rimonim Hotel), Artist Colony POBox 1011, ☎ 04-6994666 (fax: 04-6920456), [14]. High up on the Galilee Mountains, in the heart of the artist colony of Safed one finds the RUTH RIMONIM HOTEL - one of the picturesque hotels of the world.  edit

[edit] Get out

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).

From Akko, trains [15] are available to many destinations, including a direct line to terminal 3 of Ben Gurion International Airport. Buses and cabs are available regularly from Safed to Akko, now making it possible to get to the airport in the middle of the night at public transportation prices.

Ayit Airways has 3 daily flights to/from Rosh Pina and Sde Dov Airport for 260 NIS per person or 185 NIS for residents of the north. Sundays - Thursdays, no weekend service. [16] - from there a 50-60 nis cab ride gets you to Safed.