The Jewish Story of Safed, Israel

Safed is a city in the Galilee region of Israel. It is one of the oldest Jewish learning and spirituality centers and home to the Kabbalah movement. Located at an altitude of 900 meters (2,953 ft), Safed is the highest city in Galilee and arguably in Israel. It is the birthplace of Lurianic Kabbalah and one of the main bastions for Torah study during the centuries of Ottoman rule.

Along with Hebron, Tiberias, and of course Jerusalem, it is one of the four holiest cities in Judaism. 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. Safed is a 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 spot 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. Before 1948, most of Safed’s Jewish population used to live in the northern section of the old city. Home to 32 synagogues, it is referred to as the synagogue quarter and includes synagogues named after prominent rabbis from within the town. These include the Abuhav, Alsheich, Caro, and two named for Rabbi Isaac Luria: one Ashkenazi and the other Sephardi. Some of the old, beautiful, and unique synagogues in Safed are rather famous world-wide among the Jewish community. These include: The Ari Ashkenaz and the Ari Sephard synagogues, which are 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, beautiful, and well-known out of the rest. Built in the 1490’s, it was built according to the ballistic architectural and spiritual beliefs. Established in the 16th century, the “Caro” synagogue is another popular landmark. It sits on a yeshiva run by one of the chief rabbis of Sefad and a compiler of the Shulchan Aruch, a book of Jewish law. These synagogues, along with many others located in Safed, follow Sephardic traditions. Most synagogues around not only the country but also 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. (Synagogue personnel provides head covers as well as shawls for travelers who come to visit the sites).

street in safed with shops and businesses
עומר מרקובסקי, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

During the 1950s and 1960s, Safed was known as Israel’s art capital. An artists’ colony established in the old Arab quarter was a hub of creativity that drew artists from around the country. Among them include Yitzhak Frenkel, Yosl Bergner, Moshe Castel, Menachem Shemi, Shimshon Holzman, and Rolly Sheffer. In honor of the 1953 opening of the Glitzenstein Art Museum, artist Mane Katz donated eight of his paintings to the city. Today the area contains a large number of galleries and workshops run by individual artists and art vendors. Some several museums and galleries function in the historical homes of major Israeli artists such as the Frenkel Frenel Museum and the Beit Castel gallery.

Rabbi Yossef Karo is a well renowned figure who has strong ties to Sefad and greatly contributed to life there throughout the 16th century. He learned from both his father and his uncle for nineteen years and was quickly recognized as someone who could dig into the intricacies of Torah learning and solve Torah and Jewish law problems. He was often posed with Jewish law questions and his insights and advice became well known throughout the Jewish community.

exterior of home in safed with blue door
Don Toribio, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

In 1537, Rabbi Karo moved to Safed where he started a large Yeshiva. Students from all over came to learn Torah and looked up to Karo as he was a admired mentor to many regarding Jewish law. He completed writing both “Beit Yosef” and “Shulchan Aruch”, which became very important to the Jewish people. These works include all of the laws and customs of Judaism and help to show what a knowledgeableand respected man he was.

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As a result of the current travel risks, now more than ever, it`s important to educate ourselves, advocate, and stand with Israel. Ask Herzl is the perfect place to take your knowledge and understanding to new heights as you embark on a fun and interactive learning journey. Whether you`re a student hungry for knowledge, a teacher looking to inspire, or simply a curious soul eager to explore, Ask Herzl has got you covered! 🙌🌟 From engaging events to downloadable resources, they`ve cracked the code for educational excellence. 📝 So why wait? Join the tribe of Israel enthusiasts and let your passion for education pave the way towards advocacy for Israel! 🇮🇱💪
To learn more and to stay updated on what`s happening in Israel click the link in our bio!

#AskHerzl #EducatingTheWorld #worldjewishtravel #JewishVirtualEducation
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In light of the travel warnings, travel has come to a halt. This is where the beauty of virtual learning becomes invaluable, and Qesher is the perfect platform to unleash your potential on your own terms! 🌟 With Qesher's self-paced online courses, tailoring your learning journey has never been easier. But Qesher offers more than just courses... it's a community! 🤝💫 Engage in lively discussions in the Discussion Forums, connect with like-minded peers during Networking Sessions, and supercharge your growth with the incredible Mentorship Program 🤝. No matter where you are in your educational journey, Qesher is here to empower you every step of the way. 💪 Embrace the power of connections, amplify your knowledge, and unlock new horizons today!
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Click the link in our bio to learn more about Qesher and stay updated on what's happening in Israel

#worldjewishtravel #JewishVirtualEducation #QesherCommunity #Empowerment #OnlineLearning #ConnectAndGrow

In light of the travel warnings, travel has come to a halt. This is where the beauty of virtual learning becomes invaluable, and Qesher is the perfect platform to unleash your potential on your own terms! 🌟 With Qesher`s self-paced online courses, tailoring your learning journey has never been easier. But Qesher offers more than just courses... it`s a community! 🤝💫 Engage in lively discussions in the Discussion Forums, connect with like-minded peers during Networking Sessions, and supercharge your growth with the incredible Mentorship Program 🤝. No matter where you are in your educational journey, Qesher is here to empower you every step of the way. 💪 Embrace the power of connections, amplify your knowledge, and unlock new horizons today!
🔓💫
Click the link in our bio to learn more about Qesher and stay updated on what`s happening in Israel

#worldjewishtravel #JewishVirtualEducation #QesherCommunity #Empowerment #OnlineLearning #ConnectAndGrow
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