A Guide to Israel
and its Holy sites
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Tzfas (also spelled Safed, Zefat, Tsfat, Zfat,
Safad, Safes, Safet, Tzfat, etc... but most common written by Israelis as
Zfat).
Tzfas- which means to
look- is the highest town in northern Eretz Yisroel, resting 2,780 feet above sea level.
It was one of the mountains upon which torches were lit in order for the people to know
when the new month began. It received its great fame during the 16th century as being the city
where the great Kabbalists lived.
Being on a mountaintop with cool fresh air, it has become a
favorite summer resort.
Along the side of the mountain, just above the ancient cemetery, lies
the Ari's mikvah. It is believed that anyone who dips himself into its waters will not die
without first doing teshuvah (repenting).
Some of the interesting shuls to visit are the two shuls of the
Ari,
the Yosef Karo Shul, the Abuhav Shul and the
Yosef Banai Shul.
You may also want to visit the Candle Factory
 You
can watch them design some of the most
colorful master pieces all out of wax.
In the year 1759 and again in 1837, much of the city was destroyed by
earthquakes and many Jews were killed and the shuls destroyed. These shuls we now visit
have been rebuilt on their original sites.
One can also visit the cave of Shem and Ever,
Noach's son and grandson.
It is said that it was here that Yaakov Avinu studied for 22 years, before going on to
Lavan's house.
During 1948, the city was in great danger of falling into Arab hands. It was a great
miracle that caused the Arabs to flee for their lives. The story of the Davidka gun that
made lots of noise but could do little damage, stands in the main square in order to
commemorate this great event.
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