One of the Four Holy Cities, Tzfat (often spelled Safed, Sefat, or Zefat) is tucked away in Israel's hilly north.

Beautiful. Mystical. Spiritual. Artistic. Words cannot truly do Tzfat justice. The city is simply a treasure.

A city of staircases, art galleries, synagogues, and stories, Tzfat’s mystical night air is simply supernatural.
A city of staircases, art galleries, synagogues, and stories, Tzfat’s mystical night air is simply supernatural.

Tzfat was a simple town in ancient times until the Crusaders expanded it. Eventually, they settled down for the long-term struggle against the local Muslims and built forts to defend their territory. The largest of these was their northern border post, Tzfat. Today, these remains are visible, covering the very top of the city — the highest in Israel — and are known as the Citadel.

Interior of the iconic 15th-century, Spanish-style Abuhav synagogue.
Interior of the iconic 15th-century, Spanish-style Abuhav synagogue.

Tzfat’s most famous period was in the sixteenth century. When Spain kicked out its Jews in 1492, the Sultan of the Turkish (Ottoman) Empire, Bayezid II, welcomed them and famously asked: “They tell me that King Ferdinand of Spain is a wise man. But why would a wise man send away his treasure?” He opened the Ottoman Empire to Jewish immigration, and changed history.

The unique Holy Ark (aron) of the Ari Ashkenazi synagogue.
The unique Holy Ark (aron) of the Ari Ashkenazi synagogue.

Many Jews soon returned to Israel — and many famous rabbis came to live in Tzfat, including Rabbi Isaac Luria, (the “Ari,” who revolutionized Jewish mystical thought), Rabbi Chaim Vital (his closest student), Rabbi Yaakov Beirav (who tried to reinitiate the Sanhedrin, the Great Jewish Court), Rabbi Joseph Caro (author of the Shulchan Aruch and Kabbalistic works), Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz (who wrote the famous “Lechah Dodi” prayer here), and so many more…Many of these “greats” are buried in the ancient cemetery right below the Old City. Many of the graves — and many buildings in town — are painted with “Tzfat blue,” meant to remind us of Heaven — and G‑d.

Considered one of the holiest in the world, Tzfat’s ancient cemetery includes the graves of famous rabbis — and many holy “ordinary” Jews.
Considered one of the holiest in the world, Tzfat’s ancient cemetery includes the graves of famous rabbis — and many holy “ordinary” Jews.

Tzfat’s inherent mysticism is almost tangible as you walk its cobblestone streets. No wonder this small town has attracted artists, musicians, and all types of mystics. Tzfat is hard to describe. A picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes even photographs aren’t enough.

Tzfat must be experienced.

An angel taught Rabbi Joseph Caro (author of the Shulchan Aruch, the Code of Jewish Law) in a cave below his synagogue.
An angel taught Rabbi Joseph Caro (author of the Shulchan Aruch, the Code of Jewish Law) in a cave below his synagogue.