Tzfat (Safed) - one of the Jewish holy cities

Tzfat is one of the four Jewish holy cities (the other three are Jerusalem, Hebron and Tiberias). The transcription "Safed" is often used for its name. This small city on a mountaintop was a centre of Jewish philosophy and mysticism, and has many 17th century synagogues in the Old City.

The old synagogues in narrow streets of the old Jewish quarter are interesting, but much like each other. In this historical part of Tzfat there is a small candle shop, where you can buy hand-made "Safed candles". Tzfat is also known for its Artists' colony. Many artists live in the former Arab quarter and have their own studios, where they work and exhibit their paintings. Works of some are inspired by Torah and mysticism. We saw a painter whose portraits and landscapes were actually Torah texts, written in very small letters.

There are many Rabbis' graves, forests and nature scenic trails in the vicinity of Tzfat in the Upper Galilee.