Today was our last day in the North. After breakfast, we headed to the city of Tzfat or Safed – one of the holy cities of Israel. Our first stop in Tzfat was a citadel overlooking a valley. From there we descended into an old cistern that is now a cave filled with graffiti. There we lit tea candles and sang a song that echoed throughout in this really beautiful way as our tour guide, Chen, played her guitar. It really brought the spirit – or ruach – with us into Tzfat.
I love Tzfat. The city sits upon a high mountain overlooking a valley and another mountain range.
It has ancient alleyways made of smooth stone and houses and shops piled on top of each other after centuries of use. Tzfat is not only a holy city, but also a city of art. Beautiful galleries and artists selling their wares on the streets and in booths. We had the opportunity to meet a local artist named David Friedman. He is originally from the States but has been living in Tzfat for over 40 years. He paints these very psychedelic representations of Kabbalistic ideas and teachings. He taught us about numerology – or gematria– by using the paintings he has made. He showed us how the numbers symbolize Jewish values and teachings in a really abstract and interesting way using everything from color theory to geometry to the Hebrew aleph-bet.
After visiting the artist we went to one of the oldest synagogues in Tzfat, where Jews escaping the Spanish Inquisition settled and established their community. Though small, the synagogue is beautiful decorated with golden ornaments and a painted wooden bima. The synagogue suffered shrapnel damage from the War of Independence, but the damage is now celebrated as a symbol of survival.
After such a spiritual experience, we had the opportunity to do some touristy shopping to lighten the mood. We bought trinkets and gifts and jewelry from a street vendor, as well passion fruit juice and iced coffee.
Finally, it was time to leave Tzfat. We headed to Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee – or Kineret - one of the other Holy Cities in Israel. From there, we got on a boat and sailed around the Kineret while dancing our hearts out to Pharrell Williams, Earth Wind & Fire, and Queen. It was a great time, and I got to see so many of my new friends being vulnerable and showing off their moves.
After a long day, we gathered on the bus and took a three-hour ride to Jerusalem where we will be staying for most of the rest of the trip. Tonight, we prepared to meet the Israeli soldiers who will be accompanying us for the next few days so we can learn more about Israeli culture. Can’t wait to meet them tomorrow!
