Why Visit Tzfat (Safed)? A City of Mystics, Mountains, and Meaning

📍 Is Safed the Same as Tzfat?

Yes. Tzfat (צפת) is the Hebrew name and Safed is the English transliteration. In Arabic, it’s called Ṣafad (صفد). While the names vary, they all refer to the same city — the highest in Israel, at 937 meters (3,074 feet) above sea level.

📖 A Brief History of Tzfat

• Biblical Origins: Tzfat’s roots trace back to the Tribe of Naphtali in the Canaanite period.
  
  
• Medieval Mysticism: In the 16th century, Tzfat became the world center of Kabbalah, attracting rabbis and scholars fleeing Spain after the Inquisition.
  
  
• Jewish Flourishing: Under the Ottoman Empire, Safed welcomed Jewish refugees who rebuilt it as a center of Torah, halacha, and mystical study.
  
  

🌟 Why Is Tzfat Important in Judaism?

Tzfat is one of the Four Holy Cities in Judaism, along with Jerusalem, Hebron, and Tiberias. Its spiritual significance lies in its deep connection to Kabbalistic wisdom, Torah study, and sacred tradition.

In the 16th century, giants like:

• Rabbi Yitzchak Luria (the Ari) – father of Lurianic Kabbalah
  
  
• Rabbi Yosef Karo – author of the Shulchan Aruch
  
  
• Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz – composer of Lecha Dodi
  all lived, taught, and wrote in Tzfat.
  
  

🕍 Kivrei Tzaddikim – Holy Graves of the Righteous

Tzfat is home to one of the most important ancient Jewish cemeteries in Israel. Among the righteous buried here are:

• The Ari HaKadosh
  
  
• Rabbi Yosef Karo
  
  
• Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz
  
  
• Rabbi Moshe Cordovero (Ramak)
  
  
• Rabbi Moshe Alsheich
  
  
• Rabbi Moshe Mitrani (Mabit)
  
  

Their presence gives the city a palpable spiritual energy. Many visitors come to pray, light candles, and seek blessings.