Tsefad

Tsefad

Tsefad, also commonly spelled as Zefat or Safed, is situated high among the hills in the Galilee, not far from the Lebanon border. Situated in the Galilee Mountains, Tsefad is the highest city in Israel and is one of the four most holiest and sacred cities of the Jews. This video has views of the crusader ruins, ruins of the ancient synagogue, as well as the modern city. Tsefad is a city whose history extends back to Biblical times. According to Judges 19:32-39, Tsefad was located in the region assigned to the Tribe of Naphtali.

Throughout the years Tsefad has offered refuge to numerous persecuted Jews. After the destruction of the Temple there were already several priestly families in Tsefad. Later, it provided refuge for many Spanish and Portuguese Jews after the Spanish Inquisition. In the mid twelfth century the city acquired its first military and strategic importance when the Crusaders built a fortress there.

Today, Tsefad is home to a large Orthodox community and a famous Kabbalah center. It also features an artists’ colony established in the Old City which has long been a hub of creativity that drawing leading artists from around Israel. Surrounded by pine forests and ensconced in history and art, Tsefad is a popular vacation spot for Israeli and foreign tourists.