Over the past decade the world has seen a significant increase of global interest in the teachings of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism. This should come as no surprise to students and teachers of the Kabbalah, as it is a fascinating aspect of Jewish tradition that tends to appeal to all ages.
If you are a follower of Kabbalah, you will find that a visit to Israel brings you to the very core and center of Kabbalistic teachings.
The city of Tzfat in Upper Galilee, which is in the north of Israel, has long been known as the focal point for those studying Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism. Tzfat is known for being a wonderfully enchanting place, filled with inspiration and positive energy.
Here you can walk through colorful lanes and alleyways while visiting the places where the mystics of Tzfat actually lived, worked and experienced their divine inspiration. Visiting Tzfat makes the holiness of Kabbalah uniquely tangible.
In Tzfat an important stop on your tour will be a visit to the Ari Ashkenazi Synagogue, which was established by Sephardic immigrants from Greece who arrived in the city during the 1500s. The synagogue was built in the place where Rabbi Isaac Luria (known as The Ari) used to pray on the eve of Shabbat.
Before the Shabbat evening prayer, he would dress in white robes and walk with his disciples to a nearby field (which is also in Tzfat and known as the Holy Apple Field). The Ari’s tradition of welcoming the Shabbat is echoed in the Kabbalat Shabbat service within Jewish communities all around the world.
Today, by visiting the synagogue, you will see the building that was built in 1857 after an earthquake destroyed the original structure in 1837. It is a place of worship for all Jews and is a popular place for worshippers of different affiliations.
There are three other important synagogues for you to visit in Tzfat. The oldest is the HaT’zadik Halavan, which was built by refugees from Argonia, Spain in the 1400s. Next to this synagogue is a small room where R’ Yossi Bna’a, one of the 3rd century Talmudic sages, is buried. R’ Bna’a was known for mapping out the burial places of the great sages who are buried throughout Israel.
The remaining two synagogues are the Karo Synagogue, which was named for R’ Yosef Karo, the master of Halacha and the writer of the Shulhan Aruch, and the Sephardic Synagogue of The Ari, which includes a small room just left of the Bima as you enter the synagogue where it is said that The Ari was visited by Elijah the Prophet, who revealed to The Ari the deepest secrets of the Kabbalah.
While in Tzfat you have the opportunity to visit one of the most revered ancient and holy sites — the Cave of Shem and Ever. Jewish tradition identifies this cave as the study hall of Noah’s son and great-grandson, Shem and Ever.
Jewish travelers who visited Tzfat as early as the Middle Ages noted that this is the burial place of two of the earliest Mishnaic sages, Rabbi Hanina ben Harcinnes and Rabbi Dosa ben Harcinnes, who lived and worked over 2,000 years ago.
Your visit to Tzfat would not be complete without a trip to The Ari’s Mikveh, the most popularly visited tourist spot within the entire city. Thousands of people flock every year from all over the world to immerse themselves in the spiritually purifying water of this magical natural spring, a spring that was frequently used by The Ari and his students to purify their souls and bodies.
The spring itself is completely pure as it draws its waters from an underground freshwater source. Locals often immerse themselves in the waters of The Ari’s Mikveh in preparation for prayer. I know you will find truth in the saying that visiting the Mikveh will guide you to do Teshuva — to grow spiritually to the best of your personal ability.
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