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7 Activities for an unique kabbalistic Experience in Tzfat

JANUARY 06, 2019


​Tzfat is one of the most spiritual places I have ever visited. Once you arrive in Tzfat, you are surrounded by green idyllic mountains and feel like you’re in a different world. And there is a reason why Tzfat has such a  special energy. Tzfat is a small town in the North of Israel and is the center of Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism. Since the 16th century cabalistic rabbis and sages settled in Tzfat, making it a destination for Jews wishing to get a blessing from cabalistic rabbis and those wanting to study and explore the mystical depths of their Jewish faith.

I have always been attracted to Kabbalah. For me Judaism and spirituality mean to build a deep connection to the source of everything, Hashem. Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, is the method by which any person can attain a higher level of reality. It teaches us (through books such as The Zohar, which was written in Tzfat) how to discover the way that brings us closer to the revelation of the Creator, while living in this world.

Sounds powerful doesn't it? Sometimes I feel that with all the "dry" Jewish Halacha one is in danger to lose connection to the actual essence behind what we practice in Judaism. For me it is very important to feel the spiritual meaning behind Jewish practice and gain a higher spiritual level by diving deeper into the Jewish faith.

Since I wanted to intensify my spiritual experience of Judaism, I decided to spend a Shabbat in Tzfat surrounding myself with the mystical energy and spiritual atmosphere of this Jewish Holy City that opens up the opportunity of spiritual growth.

Following are my top 7 recommendations for a "kabbalistic stay" in Tzfat:
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​1) Discover Spirituality at Ascent

​Ascent is a global center for Jewish spiritual discovery. Ascent was founded almost 30 years ago in the Old City of Tzfat to provide a meaningful and comfortable experience for people seeking Jewish spirituality and enlightenment in the mystical, magical, ancient city of Tzfat. The team of Ascent invited me to join them for a Shabbaton program and overnight in their own hostel.

Ascent offers study opportunities such as daily classes on Kabbalah, Chassidism and other spiritual Jewish subjects, mystical tours in Tzfat and various spiritual group activities. Furthermore there are special Shabbat programs for young people from all around the world. When I joined Ascent for their Shabbat retreat, I enjoyed the perfect combination of inspiring spiritual insights and group activities. While ladies learned the cabalistic meaning of Challah baking and baked our own Challah for Shabbat, the guys went to the Ari's mikveh. We also enjoyed fantastic classes on Kabbalah, had a big Shabbat meal with many young people from Israel and all over the world and later experienced the most fascinating Havdallah ceremony with singing and dancing! If you are looking for an inspiring experience with a diversity of activities in a young environment, this is the perfect place for a short or long term stay! 

Ascent
HaAri St 2, Tsfat
From Israel:  1800304070 ext. 0
​Outside Israel: +972773601101
www.myascent.org
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2) Experience Kabbalah in the Tzfat Kabbalah Center

The Tzfat Kabbalah Center offers cabalistic activities of all kinds for beginners and experts in and around Tzfat. From mystical city tours, classes on Kabbalah, interactive learning, workshops or various programs… whether you are by yourself, or in a group, willing to learn about Kabbalah for the first time or you have already dived deep into Jewish mysticism, the Kabbalah center in Tzfat is the place for you.  And if you are not sure of what is the best fit for you, feel free to visit the center and watch a free introduction movie about Kabbalah and chat with the team.

I had the honor of meeting the director Rabbi Eyal Riess and his team who introduced me their fantastic and futuristic learning environment. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the stunning view from their rooftop!

The Tzfat Kabbalah Center
Phone: +97246821771
www.tzfat-kabbalah.org

3) Visit all the stunning Synagogues of Tzfat
Picture from timeout.com
Tzfat has some of the most beautiful, historically interesting and diverse synagogues, which are all worth visiting to admire the stunning architecture and decoration. The synagogues literally carry the mystical energy of Kabbalah. When I spent Shabbat in Tzfat I loved hopping from one synagogue to the other on Shabbat morning to experience the different atmospheres and meet people from different streams.

​Wherever you go in Tsfat's old city, you can find a prayer service on every corner. One of my favorite moments in Safed was the Friday night service in the Carlebach Synagogue. There were so many people inside that we had to leave the door open and the overflow was praying and dancing on the street in front of the synagogue to the joyful melodies of Rav Shlomo Carlebach. 

One of the most highly visited synagogues of Tzfat is the Ashkenazi HaAri Synagogue. This Synagogue is a perfect place to learn about Kabbalah. If you want to see one of the oldest surviving synagogues of Tsfat where the Ari himself loved to spend his time, check out the Sephardic HaAri Synagogue. For a bit of historical excitement, make a stop at the Abuhav Synagogue where you can view a Torah scroll from the Middle Ages. Also worth a visit is also the Bana'a Synagogue, which is the oldest synagogue in Safed and was first constructed in the 15th century.
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4) Spend Shabbat in Tzfat with a local cabalistic Family
Picture from jewishworldreview.com
A Shabbat in Tzfat is a highlight by itself! I have never experienced such a emotional beginning of habit like in Tzfat, when at sundown the melody of "Shalom Aleichem" sounds on the speakers of the old city and the whole city becomes quite and transforms into the mystical mood of Shabbat. Hassidic people in their black garn and Shtreimel start running to the synagogues and Jewish prayer songs can be heard on every corner. Such an amazing atmosphere!

​When I was in Tsfat for Shabbat I decided to spend the Shabbat meal with a local Hassidic kabbalistic family that I found in the Shabbat.com community. Local families love hosting visitors from all over the world and are happy to inspire them with kabbalistic insights while enjoying a fabulous Shabbat meal. Don't miss out on that unique experience!
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​5) Reflect the new Insights in the Nature of Tzfat

Tzfat is surrounded by beautiful nature and idyllic little villages. For anyone to whom the intense atmosphere of Tzfat might be too much, I recommend finding a quiet place outside of the city to create the perfect atmosphere for reflection and processing the new mystical insights of your visit. I love the spirit of Tzfat but always prefer to overnight in a quite situated place.

​One of my favorite accomodations near Tzfat is Villa View in Amuka, that offers a villa with chiminea and room for up to 6 people or a romantic wooden cabin with indoor Jacuzzi and an incomparable view to the Golan Heights for 2. Dorit, the owner, i such a lovely lady and provides some fruit and cake or wine for you!  Book your unforgettable stay here and get a gift of 15$.

​6) Purify in the Ari's Mikveh of Tzfat
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One of the most spiritual places of Tzfat is the Ari's Mikveh, an 800 year-old mystical, ritual immersion pool. 500,000 visitors from Tsfat and all over the world come to immerse in the spiritually purifying waters of the Ari's mikveh of Tzfat every year. It is kept open 24 hours a day, seven days of the week, including holidays and Shabbat.

It is said that anyone immersing in the Ari’s mikveh is guaranteed to do “T’shuvah” to return to God and Torah before he dies. The Ari's mikveh is accessible for men only. Immersing into the waters of the Ari's mikveh in Tsfat is seen as a must for visitors of the mystical city!

Ari's Mikveh
HaAri St 100, Tsfat
www.mikvehoftsfat.com
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​7) Understand Kabbalah through Art

And for everyone who has difficulties of understanding the concepts of Kabbalah and picturing the abstract cabalistic consciousness, I recommend visiting the kabbalistic artist Avraham Loewenthal at his Gallery of Mystical Art, who even impressed my boyfriend, a pure rationalist.

​Avraham Loewenthal is a Baal T'shuva, a Jew who found his way back to Judaism and found his fulfillment in Jewish mysticism. Today he creates art based on Kabbalah and loves to explain his artwork and its hidden meanings to visitors. I am sure that after understanding the hidden secrets of the Shofar sounds presented in a colorful portrayal, no one can deny the existence of Kabbalah anymore. ​
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Tzfat Gallery of Mystical Art
35 Tet Van Street, Tzfat
Phone: +97246923051
www.kabbalahart.com
See all pictures of my stay inTzfat on my Instagram account:

By Ilana Schiffner

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About Me

Welcome to "Jewishbychoice"! 
I am Ilana! 
​German, 28 years old, converted to Orthodox Judaism, currently living in Israel. Fascinated by Torah, Spirituality and Jewish values.
​Today I share my experiences on my blog and assist people in their conversion process. I teach weekly Judaism classes and offer professional conversion coaching.

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