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Reznik Guesthouse

Over twenty years ago, Tsfat was a tiny, quiet haven of fresh air and spiritual growth. It was

then that the Reznik family moved from bustling New York City, to a small, arched, stone house within the Artists’ Quarter. Between the olive and fig trees, the g

rapes and the bay leaves growing in their yard, the Rezniks set up an Old World/ New World haven for young men and women traveling to Israel for their year abroad. Be it seminary girls or yeshiva boys, newcomers to observant Judaism or seasoned Balei Teshuva, converts to Judais

m or older religious singles–every Jew enthusiastic about his traditional heritage, had a place to stayor eat in the Reznik household.

As the years progressed and their family grew, the mitzvah of hachnoses orchim (welcoming guests) spread throughout the beautifully developed town of Tsfat, so that each Jew seeking a place for Shabbes could always findpeace and good Jewish cooking,in the city-wide endeavor to provide for those big-city-folkwho needed to emotionally recharge and physically relax. Following the example of older families who had proceeded them to Tsfat, the Rezniks and their children worked diligently, throughout the city,that guests and hosts be mutually happy to have met and have hadthe opportunity to do a mitvah for each other– to have Jews connect through the deep power of a Shabbes-table in the Holy City of Tsfat. This enthusiasm spread to throughout the week, as more and more people came up to “experience Tsfat”, even if they could not stay for a Shabbes.

Seeing that they themselves no longer had enough space to continue hosting in their modest home, the Rezniks recently added on a rustic, villa-style apartment, overlooking the garden courtyard. Up one flight, this rental apartment has a lovely view of Mt. Meron stretching towards Tiveria. Their street is the road right above the famous”Arizal’s mikva”, near the Kiryat Breslev neighborhood

in the Old City. Stores, shuls, mikvas and L’ Mehadrin restaurants are all within a short walking distance.

Rentable as one apartment or three individual units, there are three bedrooms with a total capacity of 10-12 beds + extra mattresses, surrounding the practical and attractive central entrance and kitchenette-area. Suitable for entire families, groups of bochrim or groups of young women; a large fridge, large sink and counter, electrickettle, Shabbos hotplate, and table for 6-12, makes the space homey and comfortable. Extra cooking facilities are provided for upon request. There are two bathrooms with showers, with a roofed porch for all seasons, surrounded by the traditional, Eretz Yisroel, olive and pomegranate trees. Another Sukkah porch, connected to the apartment,is available during the summer and for Jewish holidays.

Their street, Keren Hayesod, is easily accessible by car, with express buses from Yerushalayim, Bnei Brak and Ashdod stopping at the end of the block. The Reznik Guesthouseis available year-round, weekdays or weekends, with comfortable beds, linen, heating, fans and A/C. Suitable for observant, Jewish clientele. The Reznik family’s up-beat, warm, heimishe service is provided in fluent English, Yiddish or Hebrew.

The Rezniks’: 052-763-9019, 04-692-5251. mitzva.orchim@gmail.com

Cost

Students: 70sh per bed, sheets included. Economy: 60sh Bring Your Own Sheets. Couples: 200sh per small room, sheets/ towels included. During Bein Hazmanim vacations: 250sh per room. Large Family room (fits 6 beds): 350sh, sheets included. During Bein Hazmanim vacations: 450sh. Entire apt: 700sh with sheets, 600sh Bring Your Own Sheets. During Bein Hazmanim vacations: 800sh w/ sheets. Reductions available for reservations of 3 or more nights.

April 23, 2025
Beit Binyamin

Safed (Tzfat) Guesthouse

Many visitors prefer to find accommodations in Tzfat in the heart of the Old City and Artists Quarter. They wish to spend their time in the atmosphere of the “real” old Tzfat, and are not willing to think about any other options.

For people who are open to moving a little bit down the road, however, the Safed Guesthouse, a hostel which is a member of the International Youth Hostel Association, is a wonderful option.

Beit Binyamin is located in the “Darom”, or Southern neighborhood of Tzfat. It is an easy 15-minute walk from the Old Jewish Quarter, and a 10-minute walk from the Artists Quarter, though a number 6 or 7 bus will take one back and forth to the Central Bus Station within a matter of minutes. Visitors thus are able to easily access the tourist and religious sites of Tzfat while enjoying the open cou

rtyards and spacious rooms of the nearby hostel.

Rooms, Conferences and Extra-Curricular Activities

The hostel offers 20 rooms, each with its own shower and bathroom. All of the rooms are air conditioned for the summer and well-heated in the winter. Televisions are in each room. There are a number of supermarkets and other shops close by, though the hostel offers a substantial breakfast to guests as part of the fee.

The Israeli army is so satisfied with the hostel’s accommodations that they use their facilities whenever they bring a group of soldiers for an overnight to Tzfat. Aside from the comfortable and airy rooms, the army, as well as other organizations and group

s, prefers to bring their groups to the hostel because it is well suited for conferences – a hall with 120 seats, as well as 3 classrooms are available for rental.

In addition to breakfasts, which are included in the price of a hostel room, groups or individuals may order additional meals, which they can eat in the 200-seat dining room. Both the International Youth Hostel Association and the Tzfat Rabbinical offices supervise Kashruth of the hostel kitchen. Guests may also take advantage of the drink vending machines which are located throughout the hostel. Basketball and soccer courts are open to guests throughout the day and evening hours.

The hostel staff will work with groups to organize study days and conferences, as the hostel has all necessary infrastructure for such activities.

To contact Beit Binyamin/Safed Guest House, call 972-4-6921086 or E-mail: tzfat@iyha.org.il

April 23, 2025
Achuzat Binyamin

Extended Family Travel

Most people travel in small groups, with their spouse or with their immediate family.

The natureof travel makes this the most conducive way to travel, since transportation and lodgings become more complicated and expensive as the number of travelers grows.

For most groups which travel together, an organized travel company takes care of the lodging question. Hotels are booke

d, and the price is included as part of the travel package.

In Israel however, extended families often plan vacations together, with the parents and their offspring, together w

ith the offspring’s spouses and THEIR offspring and given the fact that many Israeli families are large by Western standards, such a group can consists of several dozen people. These groups are always on the lookout for nice and inexpensive lodging options.

In addition, it is not uncommon for Israeli schools to organize Shabbat get-aways for their students. The administrations have found that this is an excellent way to facilitate student bonding, as well as create a better connection between the students and staff. These schools also need to find accommodations which are pleasant and comfortable, yet can fit within their school’s budget.

In Tzfat, one excellent alternative for such groups is Achuzat Binyamin. Achuzat Binyimin is located on the edge of the Artists Quarter, next to Tzfat’s main commercial street, Jerusalem Street. It is a five-minute walk from the Old City of Tzfat, where all the synagogues are located, making it an ideal location for such groups who want to enjoy a Shabbat, or a few vacation days, together, within easy walking distance of the Jewish Quarter.

Nine Apartments

Achuzat Binyimin offers nine apartments of varying sizes. Each apartment is spacious, with beds, kitchenettes, bathrooms/showers and lounging areas. Since the apartments are all located within one building, they allow families, school and other groups a pleasant alternative to a hotel for their Tzfat experience.

All of the apartments are heated (winter) and air-conditioned (summer), and everything that is needed is located nearby – a grocery store, restaurants, coffee houses, and all kinds of shops and stores. There is ample parking near Achuzat Binyamin, making it particularly attractive for families who have young children and must bring a lot of supplies for their vacation.

The apartments offer dining space, which gives several families the opportunity to gather together for meals during their stay. There is also a large roof area, offering a magnificent view of the mountains surrounding Tzfat, as well as the famous Mt. Meron Sunset. The evening breezes waft through the building and over the roof area, and guests enjoy sitting outside in the evenings to relax in the cool breezes for which Tzfat is famous.

To contact Achuzat Binyamin, call 972-52-8925324

April 23, 2025
Hostels of Tzfat

Millions of people throughout the world have memories of traipsing around the world, usually during their younger years. They explore different countries, cultures, and lifestyles while moving from land to land, often on a shoestring budget.

Many of these travelers have found hostels to be the easiest way to travel. Hostels vary widely, both in quality and price, but in general, offer travelers an inexpensive and safe way to spend the night in the various locations that they visit.

Tzfat has a number of hostels. Three of those in the center which are friendly and comfortable are:

Ascent

Ascent Institute is an educational facility which offers hostel accommodations to the young Jewish people who come to visit Tzfat and explore Judaism. Ascent has been on the Tzfat landscape since the early 1980s, as a friendly and welcoming beacon to the thousands of people who have passed through its doors, looking for a deeper connection and more intimate understanding of Judaism.

The rooms at Ascent are clean and comfortable. They are set up dorm-style, with a men’s wing and a women’s wing. There are bathrooms and showers for each room, and the hostel is set up in a manner which allows guests to enjoy meeting other guests and the Ascent staff for discussions, classes, Shabbat hospitality, or just to sit and “shoot the breeze”.

Ascent is open to Jewish individuals who wish to further explore their Jewish heritage and traditions. To contact the Ascent Institute, call 972-4-6971407 or fill out the on-line form at http://ascentofsafed.com/cgi-bin/ascent.cgi?Name=reserve

Lifshitz Hostel

The Lifshitz Hostel is open throughout the year. It is located in the Artists Quarter, below Palmach Street, within easy walking distance to the main commercial street, Jerusalem Street

The Lifshitz Hostel is located in an old Arab-style house, with domed ceilings and stone walls. Each room has 6 beds, and there are 2 rooms, one for men and one for women.

The facilities at the Lifshitz hostel are quite basic, but everything is clean and orderly.

To contact the Lifshitz Hostel, call 972- 52-3497-055

Shoshana’s Hostel

Few people have stayed in Tzfat for long without seeing Shoshana, a friendly lady who walks the path between the bus station and her house with a stroller to support her aging frame.

Shoshana visits the bus station daily to meet visitors who might need accommodations for the night. She wants to be sure that no one is left without a place for the night, and she spends much of her free time talking to people to make sure that they are enjoying their visit.

Shoshana’s hostel is located next to the Lifshitz hostel, on the lane below Palmach Street in the Artists Quarter. It is a simple room with clean beds and bathroom and shower facilities. There are no amenities at the Shoshana Hostel – it is a true backpacker’s hostel for those who want an inexpensive hostel bed. But a night at Shoshana’s comes with some of the best company in Tzfat – Shoshana! And that’s why Shoshana enjoys return company every year.

To contact Shoshana, phone 972-54-5970-467.

April 23, 2025
Fiddler’s Inn

A Tzfat Fiddler

One would assume that a guest house called “Fiddler’s Inn” is owned by….well, a fiddler.

However, Tzfat’s Fiddler’s Inn has a much more interesting story. The Fiddler in question is Yoni Lifshitz, the lead violinist in the well-known Simply Tsfat band. This band has been engaging audiences throughout the world for many years with their uplifting Hassidic music. Simply Tsfat plays with their heart, hoping to spread the joy and inspiration of Breslev Hassidism and inspire their

listeners to explore Jewish spirituality and the Breslev message to be joyful and thankful.

As their band’s name suggests, the three musicians of Simply Tsfat are intimately connected with Tzfat, the city which inspires their music. The stories that they tell, the music that they play, and the joy in which they teach is infused with Tzfat’s magic.

It is therefore fitting that the Lifshitz family should live in Tzfat’s Old City, greeting visitors who come to stay in their lovely guest house.

A Fiddler’s Guest House

The Fiddler’s Inn is located in a corner of Tzfat’s Old City, in a quiet area in the middle of the Old City’s maze of lanes and alleys. The house is a true Old City stone house, but it has been newly renovated and decorated. It is comprised of 2 rooms with tiled floors, and has space to comfortably sleep 4-5 people.

The kitchen is fully equipped with a full meat and milk kitchen, allowing visitors to come for several days at a time and take care of all their cooking needs right in the apartment. A refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven, and stovetop allow visitors to make themselves at home, which is made even easier by the close proximity of a large supermarket.

All amenities for Shabbat are also provided, including a hot plate and hot water urn.

The unit is fully furnished – the bathroom even has a Jacuzzi! Wireless internet and air conditioning complete the setting for the comfort of guests.

One unique aspect of the inn is the fact that there is parking nearby, and the guest room is accessible directly from the street – there are no steps. Both of these points are quite unusual for the Old City, where stairs and long treks to the parking area are taken for granted.

The unit is located within easy walking distance of all Old City religious and historical sites, as well as nearby synagogues for daily and Shabbat prayers.

To contact the Fiddler’s Inn, write to Yoni at yoni@simplytsfat.com

April 23, 2025
Bar-El Guest House

Spiritual Search

People come to Tzfat in a variety of ways, and for a variety of reasons. Some come because of the scenery, some because they are drawn religiously, some because they want to find themselves, and some come because something, somewhere, somehow told them that Tzfat was the place where they should be.

Roni and Genine Bar-El seem to fit into the last category. Roni is a native Israeli, and Genine grew up in New York.

They met while each was on their own journey in the Far East, looking for the “click” that would bring them closer to a spirituality that they were both searching for.

After marrying, Roni and Genine came to Tzfat and bought an old stone house in Tzfat’s Artist Quarter. They combi

ned their skills in construction and interior design to renovate the house, learning as they went along about the complexities of renovating a house that is hundreds of years old transforming it into a modern, comfortable home. In the end, their efforts paid off, and they decided to start to host visiting groups for meals which Roni, a chef, catered.

A Love of Hosting

The Bar-Els are natural hosts, and thoroughly enjoyed having visitors join them in their home. They soon began to open their extra apartment as a Guest House, and the Bar El Guest House has today developed a reputation as one of Tzfat’s most stunning and comfortable B&Bs.

The Bar El Bed and Breakfast is located next to the Bar-Els home, in a newly renovated old stone house. It overlooks Mount Meron where one can sit on the porch and enjoy the sunsets. The Moroccan motif gives the impression of Old World ease, but guests en

joy satellite television, wireless internet and all other modern conveniences.

The guest house has two rooms, a master bedroom with a private bathroom and kitchenette and a living room where more beds can be set up. All Shabbat amenities are available, and it can comfortably host 5 people.

A highlight of a stay at the Bar-Els is the breakfast, prepared by chef Roni. Roni studied at Israel’s Culinary Institute, Tadmor, and is renowned, not only in Tzfat but throughout Israel, for his culinary artistry. He is a sought-after chef, and it is a privilege to be able to enjoy one of his breakfasts, as a guest of the B&B.

The Bar El Guesthouse has also received rave reviews in both the Frommers Guide Book to Israel and in Lonely Planet.

To contact the Bar El Guest house, write to thebarels@yahoo.com or call 050 5650073.

April 23, 2025
The Ron Hotel

Situated just below the Citadel within easy walking distance of the Old City and its synagogues, the Ron Hotel is ideal for the religious guest. With its own synagogue on the premises and a Sabbath observance policy, the Ron Hotel is frequently

used by religious groups for Shabbat seminars, especially in the winter. In the summer vacation period the hotel is very popular with religious families an

d couples.

The Rooms

The hotel has 50 spacious twin bedded guest rooms and the hotel will provide extra beds and cots if necessary. The en-suite bathrooms have both a tub and a shower so it is easy to bathe the children after a day out.

The Lounge

The lounge area is off the dining room and there are plenty of very comfortable lounge chairs and sofas. The seating is arranged in groups so that it is very easy to sit and chat and not notice how much time has gone by.

The Dining Room

The hotel is usually open for groups during the winter and the Ron serves a traditional Israeli breakfast, buffet style, between 8.00am and 10.00am. Evening meals are also available by arrangement for groups staying in the hotel during the week throughout the year. During the main summer vacation period the restaurant/dining room is open for evening meals for individual guests and their familie

s.

On Shabbat throughout the year, the dining room really comes into its own. With waiter service on Friday night, groups can enjoy a real Shabbat atmosphere, eating good traditional food and singing to their hearts content. Sabbath lunch is served after services, and a third meal is available in the late afternoon.

Function Rooms

There are three function / seminar rooms available for groups. Two large rooms that can hold between 100 to 180 people and the other, a smaller more intimate room, which holds 30 to 40 people. These rooms can be used for private dinners for groups or family functions.

The Pool

The pool is unfortunately closed for repairs at present and is not expected to open for the 2010 season. When the pool is open there are separate swimming hours for men and women.

Getting There

Coming into Safed, pass the bus station and go up Jerusalem Street towards the circle, and turn left onto Palmach Street, just before the Palatine building. Continue along Palmach until you reach Hativat Yiftah Street where you turn right, passing the Citadel park on your right. Continue on and you will see the Ron Hotel in front of you.

Booking

Individual rates are from 450 ILS per couple per night including breakfast in the low season to 600 ILS per couple per night in the high season.

Shabbat meals are 90-100 ILS per person per meal.

Weekday evening meals are 80-90 ILS per person.

Group rates are on application.

Contact

Amnon: Tel 04 697 2590 or Fax 04 697 2363 or www.ronhotel.com

Kosher Certificate: Mehadrin

Note:

This hotel is Sabbath Observant. Meals are Glatt Kosher (Rav Landau/ Eidah Hachareidis)

April 23, 2025
Off The Square

Off The Square is situated in the perfect location, in the heart of the Artists’ Quarter, on a quiet cobbled lane. Close to the newly redesigned amphitheater of HaM‎a’ayan HaRadum Square, and just around the corner from the Maximilian Café and the General

Exhibition Center. It is a three-minute walk to all the main attractions, synagogues of the Old City of Safed and galleries.

Off The Square consists of two large studio units, both with twin beds. Both have large kitchenettes with a dining area. There are hot plates and water urns for use on Shabbat. The Maayan unit has a sofa bed for a third guest.

Both units have a large outside porch, with table and chairs, offering beautiful views of the Meron mountains and the Maayan HaRadum Square. There is also free wifi. There is free parking at the end of the cobbled street and the bus station is a 10-minute walk away.

Contact

You can email srscm20@gmail.com or phone 0504209778 for further Information and/or to make a reservation. Check out our Facebook page.

April 23, 2025
The Canaan Spa Hotel

Perched on top of Mount Canaan overlooking the city of Safed is the Canaan Spa Hotel. This hotel is also a modern spa, designed to give you a complete vacation and a break from your daily routine. Neither children nor cell phones are allowed within the hotel so yo

u don’t have to worry about any unwanted noise disturbing the peace and quiet.

The Rooms

With 120 rooms including 2 suites, the hotel is able to accommodate large groups as well as individuals. The regular rooms are of the standard you would expect in this type of hotel and have a variety of views, from Mount Meron to the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). Robes and slippers are provided for all guests and you can feel comfortable walking around the hotel in them.

The presidential suite has a sitting room with a fake log fire, leather seating, full screen plasma cable TV and DVD. The separate bedroom has adjustable beds and a Jacuzzi in the bathroom.

The Spa And Swimming Pool

The Spa is open from 8.00am to 7.00pm and offers a half size Olympic pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna. There is a fully fitted fitness room with an instructor available at all times as well 15 treatment rooms with a large choice of treatments. (Treatment prices begin at 240 shks). The spa also has a Turkish Hammam (bath) with an attendant who will give you an authentic Turkish bath experience. In the wooded grounds opposite the hotel you can take a Tai Chi or yoga class, or take advantage of the tennis or basketball court if you prefer something more energetic.

The Restaurant

Unlike most hotels where you have to get up early to be in time for breakfast, and who wants to do that on vacation

, the Canaan Spa offers a breakfast/brunch buffet from 7.30am until 3pm! There is no restriction on how many times you can come into the restaurant, so you can start your day with a coffee and croissant, have a full Israeli breakfast later on, and then enjoy a late lunch after a workout in the pool or a treatment in the spa. As well as this innovative idea, the hotel grows a lot of its own fruit and vegetables so the food is especially fresh.

Evening meals (available from 7.00pm – 9.00pm) are also served buffet style, so the restaurant is where you can really indulge yourself almost all day! Around the hotel there are little tea corners where you can sit and relax while enjoying the peace and quiet.

The Bar

The hotel has a piano bar with a variety of evening entertainment.

Conferences And Special Events

The hotel offers excellent conference facilities which can be combined with an overnight stay or booked separately. There are also several function rooms suitable for private parties and celebrations so the hotel is well equipped to host several events at once.

Booking

The hotel is open all year round and prices vary from 1200 shks per night per couple in the middle of the week in the winter to 3400 for two nights during the weekend (Thursday and Friday) in the height of summer.

Prices are for the room, evening meal and brunch. Check in is from 3.00p.m and check out 12.pm daily except for Shabbat (Saturday) when check out is after nightfall.

For Sabbath observant guests there is a Shabbat elevator.

The hotel is not open for guests on Saturday night.

Contact

Reservations 04 699 3000 or email canaansp@netvision.net.il

Note:

This is a no smoking hotel. Only children over the age of 14 are allowed.

Kosher Certificate: Regular Rabbinut

April 23, 2025
Villas in Safed

According to the dictionary definition, a villa is a large and luxurious country residence arranged meeet this criteria.

around a courtyard. In Tsfat, two places

Villa Tiferet

This villa in Safed is centrally located in the Artist’s Quarter of Safed. It is a 400 year-old renovated stone home that sleeps up to 14 guests in four bedrooms. A self catering home, the villa features a large, gourmet kosher kitchen, dining room that seats 14 and a living room with a wood burning fireplace, great for a cozy winter night. The rooms in the main house are set below dramatic soaring stone domes.

Villa Tiferet is set around a lush courtyard with splashing fountain and a large rooftop that is ideal for viewing the sunset over Meiron. If you want a private, luxurious getaway for a family reunion or a simcha, choose this villa.

The Villa Galilee

Looking for a villa in a hotel? The Villa Galilee is a delightful bijoux boutique hotel situated on the Canaan Mountain, with magnificent views of Mount Meron in the distance, and is only a few minutes drive from the center of Safed. Decorated and furnished in French decor, this hotel is a pleasure to walk into. Open all the year round, it mainly caters to people who are looking for a restful getaway.

The Rooms

All the 21 guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a tea and mini bar, flat screen satellite TV, and a DVD player. The hotel has several choices of rooms including 3 beautifully furnished penthouse rooms each with a king size bed and a private terrace equipped with a Jacuzzi. The deluxe rooms also have king size beds, while the regular and superior rooms have queen or twin beds. Some of the rooms have the possibility of an extra bed if required. Each room is individually furnished and the deluxe and penthouse rooms have a tub as well as a shower in the bathroom.

The Restaurant

The hotel offers its rooms on a bed and breakfast basis, and serves a traditional buffet style Israeli breakfast in its charming restaurant. The Villa Galilee restaurant is kosher. In the evening the restaurant offers a la carte French bistro style menu for its clients and diners can expect to pay around 150 per person plus wine.

Conference Room

The hotel can host small conferences for 30-40 participants in its conference facilities. The conference room is equipped with wifi and the hotel provides everything to make the conference run smoothly. There is a private bar available in the evening after the day’s work is done.

The Spa

The hotel has 5 lovely treatment rooms and offers a wide variety of treatments. Guests are advised to book their treatment in advance, as the spa is very popular. A 45 minute treatment is around 250 shks. The spa also has a dry sauna which is available to all guests free of charge.

The Pool

The swimming pool which has a lifeguard is open every day from April to the end of September, 9.00am-6.00pm.

Special Events

It is possible to book the whole hotel for special events and celebrations.

Disabled Access

There is one room that is wheelchair accessible and the hotel has an elevator.

Getting There

If you are coming into Safed on road 89 you will see a sign for the hotel at the Biryya Junction. Keep on the 89 HaGalil road up the hill towards the top of Mount Canaan, pass the police station on your right and go left at the Canaan mall onto Hagedud Hashlishi. The Villa Galilee will be on the right just before you reach the top of the hill.

Booking

Prices range from $200 (790 shks) for a standard room and breakfast in the low season to $350+ (1490shks) in the h

igh season for a penthouse room.

Tel 04 699 9563or email info@villa-galilee.com.

Important:

In keeping with the rules of many boutique hotels, only children over the age of 14 are allowed to stay as guests (except during the Jewish holidays).

The Villa Galilee is kosher with a certificate from the Safed Rabinate. For more information, see the Villa Galilee web site.

April 23, 2025