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Michael’s House

The Artists Quarter

The Artist Quarter of Tzfat is today, in many ways, a “mixed city”. It is populated by large religious families who live peacefully with Tzfat’s artists and non-religious residents. There is, however, a strong atmosphere of a religious community.

This, however, was not the way it was in the past. Artists began to gravitate to Tzfat before the 1948 War of Independence, and after the war, Tzfat became an artists’ center of Israel. Many of Israel’s best known artists bought property in Tzfat, and the quarter next to the Old Jewish Quarter became the Artists Quarter. The atmosphere was bohemian and secular. The coffee houses and restaurants of the main street stayed open till the wee hours of the morning, and pubs and bars flourished. During those years, the majority of the tourism

to Tzfat centered around the art galleries, not, as today, the religious and historical sites of the city.

Michael and Angie Alkov arrived in Tzfat in the early ’70s and in 1980, bought a dilapidated run-down house in the Artists Quarter, next to the well-known artist Amitai. At that time, there was only one other family living on their street. Everyone else was an artist, some of them quite famous. Michael, an architect, began to slowly renovate the existing rooms which date back 150 years while building other rooms. Slowly the structure became a home for his family.

One of the rooms that he built is constructed with wood, unusual in the area. The room sits on top of the roof, and is open on all sides with windows facing in all directions. This room was, for several years, a popular coffee house of the artists quarter, with Angie serving locals, tourists and the well-known artists on Saturday nights throughout the summer months. Old-timers still speak of eating at Angie’s as a high point of their summers.

Michael’s House

As the family grew, they began to migrate from Tzfat, but today, Michael and Angie’s eldest daughter, Sarai, has returned to run Michael’s House, a 3-unit guest room. Each room is unique – the wooden rooftop “Tree House” is ideal for a couple (“I’ve had a number of honeymooners come to stay here” Sarai says “and that room is perfect for them”), while the other two rooms, with yards and lofts, are easy for families – one with 4 beds and one with 7.

Each unit has a kitchenette with Shabbat amenities, shower/toilet, coffee corner, cable TV and central air conditioning/heating. The house is located within a 5-minute walk of the Old Jewish Quarter, and, in the other direction, a 5-minute walk from the main commercial section of town. The units are detached from each other, yet close enough so that families find it comfortable to rent a few units at the same time and vacation together.

For more information about the Guest House, contact Sarai at 972-(0)52-6334532

April 23, 2025
Bernstein Guest House

Many people come to Tzfat for the Old City experience. The synagogues, galleries, lanes and alleys beckon them,

and that’s the atmosphere that they want to immerse themselves in while they’re in Tzfat.

Rural and Relaxing

Others, however, are looking for a different kind of vacation. They want to be in a rural area with wide open spaces, expansive views and a feeling of village life.

For those visitors, The Bernstein House, located in the northern Tzfat neighborhood of Neve Oranim/Ramat Razim is a perfect answer. The Bernstein House and Holiday apartment allows visitors to sit and relax in a comfortable and refreshing area while enjoying the breathtaking view of the Sea of Galilee below.

The neighborhood is located along the windy road between Tzfat and Rosh Pinna , across the road from the famous health resort, Mitzpe HaYamim.

The apartment is perfect for a couple or a small family. The bedroom is bright and airy, with a tastefully decorated bedroom for a couple. The windows look out onto the rolling Galilee hills, and a fresh cross breeze allows guests to take advantage of Israel’s gentle northern winds. Air conditioning is available for the hottest weather, but the “natural” air conditioning of the area makes this hardly necessary.

The Bernstein House has a large living room and dining room allowing guests the opportunity to sit together for meals and evening relaxation, with cable TV and a DVD available for guests’ enjoyment. The kitchen is fully equipped, allowing gu

ests the freedom to prepare their own meals and eat at their leisure.

Outdoor Jacuzzi

The apartment’s balcony is its crowning glory, with lawn chairs and a table to sit at and overlook Lake Kinneret . The Jacuzzi is also located on the balcony, which is a treat for those who want to cool off while enjoying the view.

Grocery stores, restaurants, coffee houses, a pharmacy, and all other necessities are located within a five-minute drive of the Bernstein House. The Bernstein House is an ideal vacation location for couples and small families, as well as business travelers looking for a quiet place for relaxation and concentration.

The proprietress will be happy to arrange additional activities, including massages, holistic healing sessions, meals, private transportation, guided tours and recreation activities.

To contact Shelley, call 972 -4- 6827698 or Cell Phone: 972-54 682769
E Mail: shelly@harelart.co.il

April 23, 2025
The Sofer House

Family Travel

Many large families will admit that they don’t travel very often. There are a variety of

reasons – the children don’t travel well, it’s expensive, it’s hard to find accommodations that cater to large families and are comfortable for families with young children, parents

worry about their children’s’ behavior in a hotel, etc.

In Israel, where large families are quite common, many tourist sites and hotels attempt to cater to them, both in price and in comfort.

In Tzfat, one option for accommodation for families who are looking for a nice vacation without the attendant worries is the Sofer Guest House. The Sofer Guest House is centrally located in the Artists Quarter, near the synagogues and religious sites of the Old City, near the galleries of the Artist Quarter, and near the shops and stores of Jerusalem Street, Tzfat’s commercial center.

Sofer House

The Sofer House is situated on Keren HaYesod Street, with parking directly next to the house. Four bedrooms offer privacy to guests, while a central dining room, living room and kitchen make it easy for a family to prepare and eat their meals together, sit together to relax and simply to feel at home.

Each bedroom at the Sofer House has 2 beds, and extra beds can be set up as well. The house is clean and airy. Its construction, in the old style of thick stone walls and a domed ceiling, make it easily cooled in the summertime and heated in the wintertime.

In addition to the large living space, the Sofer House also has a courtyard and garden, making relaxing outside easy and attractive. The house faces Wadi Amud, the valley surrounding Tzfat, and as one stands in the courtyard outside the house, one can gaze for hours at the surrounding mountains or watch the sun set over Mount Meron to the west.

The Sofer House is set up for families or groups who wish to come for Shabbat or holidays. The kitchen allows gues

ts to prepare their own food, or bring in food which can be heated on the available hot plate. A large hot water urn provides hot water for hot drinks on Shabbat, and the Sofers, the hosts, will assist guests in setting up the Shabat clocks which are installed throughout the house.

Many families have found their vacations enhanced by the availability of the Sofer House, where their children could play freely and happily with plenty of space without the worry of the noise bothering other guests.

The Sofers can be contacted (in Hebrew) at (050)4114-134. For assistance with English bookings, the Sofer House can be contacted through laurierappeport@gmail.com

April 23, 2025
Artist Quarter Guesthouse (B & B)

If you are looking for a place to stay with ancient Tzfat charm and modern amenities in the Artist Quarter of the Old City of Tz

fat, the Artist Quarter Guesthouse is the place for you. Quietly situated at the end of an alleyway, yet close to parking, this guesthouse is centrally located–just a few minutes walk away from synagogues, galleries, the main shopping area and restaurants. The guesthou

se has a private entrance and shares a courtyard with the friendly and helpful owners and hosts, the Strausses. The guesthouse is beautiful, clean and newly renovated, and is completely set up for shomer shabbat/shomer mitzvot guests.

Accommodations

The walls and domed ceiling of the guesthouse are of stone, so you have a taste of classic Tzfat ambiance-complete with Moroccan lamps and beautiful stained glass in the arched windows and door. The airy room has incredible natural lighting, with curtains for privacy and for those who wish to sleep during the day. There are two single beds that can either be separated or connected together, plus a pull-out couch to accommodate more guests. There is a dining area to comfortably celebrate your shabbat meal or work on your computer using the guesthouse’s free Wi-Fi internet connection. Central air conditioning and heating along with the thick stone walls regulate the temperature quite well.

The kitchenette has a window looking into the courtyard, and is equipped with a refrigerator, electric kettle, shabbat hot water urn and electric hot plate. The kitchenette is stocked with coffee, tea, sugar and milk. Dairy dishes are provided as well as a considerable amount of disposables to avoid problems with kashrut. There is a private bathroom with soap, shampoo and conditioner for your convenience. To keep your things organized and out of the way there is a separate closet to unpack your belongings, hang clothes and place your luggage. There are candles and candlesticks for shabbat, as well as water basins and cups for ritualistic hand washing.

Rates

Rates for two people are 350 shks/night or 400 shks/night for just Friday night. For each additional person the rate is 75 shks. Children of all ages are welcome, and children ages 2 and under are free of charge. Discounts are offered for longer stays.

Dining

Arrangements have been made for you to enjoy a full breakfast a few minutes walk away at M Bagel restaurant on the main street of Tzfat for an additional discounted fee of 35 shks per person. The breakfast includes eggs prepared in any style, a bagel with cream cheese and butter, a salad of your choice and a large coffee, tea or cold drink. Their kosher certification is Mehadrin.

In addition, the Strausses cater complete Shabbat meals from their kosher kitchen for their guests for an additional 100 shks per person per meal. Arrangements need to be made by noon on Thursday.

Women’s Massage

Women are welcome to relax and enjoy a massage with Guesthouse co-owner, Joy Strauss. Joy offers a Swedish massage in which she incorporates acupressure, foot reflexology and craniosacral therapy into her massages. Joy’s training is through the Holistic Health Program at the University of California at Santa Cruz. She works on women of all ages and with different physical issues. A one hour massage is 200 shks.

Booking

To book or for further inquiries, please call 077-524-0235, cell phones 050-410-7469, 050-410-7468, or email joyevan@netvision.net.il. Also, please see more photos on our facebook page.

April 23, 2025
Artists Colony Inn

No one will ever accuse Jeff and Benay Katz of getting stuck in a rut. Throughout their years in Israel,

Jeff and Benay have explored many different aspects of the country, including owning a “Clean Room” in the country’s Center (a room maintained with a low level of environmental pollutants for manufacture of computer parts or for use in scientific research), tour guiding (Jeff), teaching English (Benay), and writing a well-received book about how Israelis live with their unique security issues, “Waiting for Peace: How Israelis Live with Terrorism”. (Benay)

The Katzes lived for many years in Timrat, a small community near Afula. When the youngest of their five children left the house, they began to think about a long-held dream, opening a boutique bed and breakfast. The rules of the Timrat community didn’t allow such an enterprise, so they thought of other options, and with Jeff’s contacts and knowledge of the country through his guiding work, they began to think seriously about opening their inn in Tzfat.

Something Different

They had some ideas, both of what they wanted and what they didn’t. They didn’t want to do the same thing that so many others were doing, offering family-style guest facilities or a hotel-like atmosphere. They planned to offer beautiful accommodations, exquisitely decorated and furnished, together with an atmosphere which would allow the guests to mix and socialize with each other as well as the Katzes.

The four guest rooms of the Artists Colony Inn are built to surround a common area, giving guests the option of the privacy of their own quarters or the opportunity to socialize in the inn’s sitting room. Benay is in charge of the kosher gourmet breakfas

ts which are served, and both Jeff and Benay enjoy the opportunity to socialize with their guests, getting to know them and allowing the guests to get to know Tzfat in a more personal way.

A Chance to Step, Mix and Mingle

The inn was planned to accommodate religious and non-religious Israelis alike, with an open atmosphere which allows the observant guests to easily maintain Shabbat and holiday celebrations in a traditional manner, while non-religious guests can enjoy their Shabbats in their own fashion. While many hotels have such a set-up, the unique aspect of the Artists Colony Inn is that these guests who otherwise might not have much of a chance to mingle and observe their customs side-by-side will be doing so at the Inn, all the while getting to know each other.

Jeff and Benay Katz can be contacted at 04-604-1101 or www.artcol.co.il/eng/

April 23, 2025
Beit Yosef Bed & Breakfasts

If you are looking for a very high standard bed and breakfast, the Beit Yosef selection of zimmers is for you. Scattered throughout the Artists Quarter and the Old City are 7 suites and one 3 bedroom house, which sleeps up to nine, all decorated and m

aintained to an extremely high standard. Visit the Beit Yosef Tsfat Hotel website for more information!

The Suites

All the rooms are individually furnished in an antique style, carefully chosen to complement the architecture of the buildings. With dome ceilings supported by exposed stone arches in many of the suites, these zimmers really enable you to feel the special nature of Safed.

The Bedrooms

Everything is of the highest quality, and from the linens on the beds to the iron work on the imported Moroccan bedsteads themselves, you feel you are sleeping in luxury. The lighting is well planned and enables you to have the mood you want, whether it’s for a romantic evening or so you can read in bed without disturbing your partner, you can set the lights accordingly.

The Living Room

The suites are spacious and have everything you need, from dining room tables and chairs to comfortable sofas with plumped up cushions covered in designer fabrics. Some of the suites even have chaise-lounges where you can recline, as well as more conventional armchairs.

The Kitchens

The kitchens are fully equipped, having everything you need from knives and forks to weighing scales and recipe stand holders. Of course for Shabbat there is a water urn and hot plate so that you can keep Shabbat, if you so choose.

The Bathrooms

The bathrooms have an elegant Edwardian feel to them with an old-fashioned English styled bathtub. There are of course modern shower fittings as well, so you can luxuriate in a deep bath, while perhaps reading a book and drinking a glass of wine, or take a quick shower and save water.

Modern Conveniences

All the zimmers are equipped with free internet and T.V so you will be able to stay connected to the outside world if you want. With air-conditioning as well as ceiling fans, you will be able to set the temperature as you choose. Even if you come in the middle of winter, the thick walls of the Arab-style rooms, together with the heating, will keep you nice and cozy inside.

Breakfast

To enable you to keep your privacy, arrangements have been made so that you can enjoy an excellent full Isr

aeli breakfast at the nearby Rimonim Inn, just a few minutes walk away. This breakfast with both a hot and cold buffet should be enough to please even the most fastidious of guests, not to mention keep you going until well into the afternoon, if not the evening!

Rates

Rates per couple start from 750 shks with breakfast or 650 shks without, should you prefer to prepare your own. For each additional person, rates start at 100 shks without breakfast.

It is even possible to book adjoining suites so that two families or groups of friends can holiday together while at the same time keep their privacy.

Booking

To book or for further enquiries tel/fax 04 692 2515, cell phone 054 247 2323 or email: josefgersht@bezeqint.net

April 23, 2025
Villa Tiferet

Why would anyone choose a hotel when they could stay here?

This is what one happy guest recently said about stating in the Villa Tiferet kosher vacation home. When you choose Villa

Tiferet, you are getting so much more than a hotel or a zimmer could offer. You are getting the opportunity to relax with your family, dine together and simply be together in the privacy of a large, luxurious home. And when you travel, why not feel like a local? Discerning travelers should check out Villa Tiferet where they will feel at home.

Precious Family Time

Family time is what vacations are all about. And Villa Tiferet is the perfect getaway for familes. Quiet and serene, you can connect with your family in the privacy of a home with a large courtyard, rooftop and entertaining areas inside. The children will love the family room with its Xbox, Wii, videos, board games and puzzles. Adults can relax in the cozy yet elegant living room where in winter, you can sit by a warm, crackling fire. For our young visitors, the house has a portacrib and high chair.

Cook what you like, eat when you like

The kosher kitchen is fully equipped, so parents have a choice of making meals at home or going out. Dining out with

a

large family and small children is not always easy and can be expensive. Some children are picky eaters and like to eat when restaurants and hotel dining rooms may be closed. At Villa Tiferet, you can prepare your kids’ favorite dishes in your own large, fully-equipped kosher kitchen and dine at table that extends to seat 14. If you do not want to cook, you can take out food from the main street (a three-minute walk away) and then eat at ‘home.

And keeping Shabbat in a home is much more relaxing than being in a hotel. As opposed to a hotel room, a house is private so your family will have space to relax and your children will have a place to unwind and play and be loud if they want. You can also invite guests for Shabbat and dine in style in the elegant dining room.

Value for money

Family vacations are expensive, especially when you are a large group of six or more. Having to rent two or three hotel rooms can be costly, and if the rooms are not adjoining, it can make holiday time with children stressful.Large families who have to pay for three or more hotel rooms will find Villa Tiferet the more affordable, convenient option. Do the math and also consider the expense of e

ating all meals out. You will save money when you choose this kosher vacation rental.

Now that you’ve heard the advantages of kosher vacation homes, read about the place.

Step Back 400 Years

When was the last time you stayed in a four-century-old home with all the modern amenities? Meticulously renovated, yet preserving the beauty of the original stone and high domed ceilings, Villa Tiferet offers a special and unique holiday experience. A historic home in the heart of the Artists’ Quarter, Villa Tiferet is for visitors looking for a peaceful holiday in Tsfat.

A perfect blend of history and modernity, Villa Tiferet was renovated from an art gallery into a home and has been transformed into a tranquil getaway. The house is a few minutes’ walk to a large grocery store and a ten-minute walk to the galleries and ancient synagogues of the Old City.

As it sleeps twelve (or fourteen with two couch surfers) and is a self-service home with full kosher kitchen and large

dining area, this is an ideal choice for a large family or several couples.

Pure Serenity

Entering the courtyard, you will feel serenity and beauty. That’s why we called it “Tiferet.” There is a splashing fountain and colorful Moroccan-style pillows set on stone benches. The main door opens onto a dramatic, state-of-the art kosher kitchen with sweeping ceilings and a wrought-iron chandelier.

There are separate counters for milk and meat, two ovens, two sinks and two dishwashers. The fully-equipped kitchen also offers meat and dairy plates and cutlery, pots and pans as well as a selection of spices in the cupboards. There is a blender, kettle, ble

ch and urn.

Beautiful Shabbat

The house beckons for entertaining with a dining room table that extends to seat fourteen and is ideal for hosting elegant Shabbat meals. A crimson glass chandelier sits above the dining area, offering a touch of Middle Eastern flair. There are benchers, siddurim, candles and a Havdalah set for guests to use. The living room has two large cozy couches and a pillowed reading nook below an arched window.

There is a fireplace for winter stays and ample firewood and kindling to help you stoke a blazing fire. Family Fun The family room (which also serves as a private bedroom) offers fun for the children with Xbox, Wii, a video library, books and board games. There is also an office area with a desk, printer, fax machine and computer screen. A mobile internet device allows guests to have internet in the house and is portable so it can take it be taken along on day trips.

Two-Bedrooms Upstairs

One bedroom has one single bed plus a double bunk bed with single atop and pullout and sleeps five guests (best for kids). It has a washer/dryer and cupboards. The second bedroom offers one double bed and a single bed to sleep three people. It also has an en suite bathroom with toilet. There is a second sink right outside the bathroom. A full bathroom with toilet, sink and shower with rain shower head is between the two bedrooms rooms Each room has its own heating and air conditioning unit.

Third Bedroom in Main House

At night, the family room converts into a large, private bedroom with pullout double bed, perfect for a couple or a teen. T

here is an ensuite bathroom and shower with rain-shower head plus shelves for your clothes. A large cupboard with hanging space is just outside the room.

Hobbit Cottage (fourth bedroom)

From the living room, a door leads into a second courtyard with a small, bright yellow Hobbit-style cottage. This cozy room has a kitchenette with full-size fridge, freezer, sink and small desk. There is a bathroom with toilet, sink and showe with rain-shower head. The bedroom offers a king-size bed and many cupboards. This courtyard has its own private entrance from a separate lane way or can be accessed from the living room of the main house.

Elegant Dining

The main house has stone-vaulted ceilings that sweep above a state-of-the-art open concept kitchen and dining room. The kosher kitchen has separate dairy and meat counters plus two dishwashers and sinks and a separate dairy wall oven. There is a stove top with five burners and large meat oven. There is also a microwave. For guests who stay over Shabbat, there is a warming plate, warming oven and hot water urn.

The fully-equipped kitchen has meat and dairy meat cutlery and dishes plus serving bowls, pots and pans and cooking utensils. An exotic ruby-red Moroccan chandelier hangs above a dining room table that seats 14<, the perfect spot for family dinners and upscale entertaining.

There is an office with fax machine, computer monitor and wifi. The comfy family room has a couch with large screen TV , DVD player, Xbox and Wii. The main house has a bathroom with toilet, sink and shower with rain shower head.

In the domed living room, two crimson couches dotted with pillows are the perfect spot to unwind. If you are visiting in the winter, there is a large, wood-burning fireplace.

Roof With A Stunning View

A few steps from the bedrooms take you up to a large, roof with views across Safed and towards the Meiron Mountains. Lounge in lawn chairs on the roof and the dramatic colors as the sun sets across the mountains.

Enjoy Villa Tiferet Year Round

Come with family and celebrate a festive meal in the gorgeous dining room. During the summer, Tzfat offers the Klezmer Festival, plus many family outings including hiking, rafting, swimming in the Kinneret and horse back riding in the Golan.

Another exciting time to be in Sfat is during Lag B’Omer. Or, visit in the winter when you’ll be close to the ski hills of the Hermon and can spend evenings cozying up by the fireside in this stunning home.

Looking for a unique, sensible kosher vacation idea? Villa Tiferet is the perfect choice for families wanting to get away and connect, those celebrating a special simcha and for tourists who want to use Tsfat as a base for exploring the Galil and the Golan. We are happy to help you design an itinerary so you will have an unforgettable and meaningful trip.

Check out Villa Tiferet for more details and contact information.

April 23, 2025
Places To Stay

One day is never enough in this magical city of cobblestone streets, artist galleries and religious mysticism. For this reason we have compiled a database of clean and comfortable places to stay so that you can linger and enjoy Safed for as long you choose.

Hotels

There are many hotels to choose from in Safed, regardless of your style or of your budget. Check out some of our top hotel picks and find the home away from home that is right for you.

We recommend looking into the Beit Yosef B&B, the Central Hotel (great for large groups), the Ron Hotel (also good for la

rge groups and includes a pool), The Ruth Rimmon Inn (facilities include a pool and a spa), and the Tel Aviv Hotel (for a more intimate feel) as well as Villa Galilee Hotel, the Canaan Spa Hotel, Mitzpe Hayamim Spa, the Artist’s Colony Inn and the Carmel Hotel. Enjoy your stay!

Villas

Many families are choosing vacation rentals over hotels as it makes holiday time that much easier. Choose Tsfat as a base to discover Israel’s north and stay in a self-service home complete with fully-equipped kosher kitchen, large dining room and family room. You don’t even have to bring toys! Our choice for the discerning travlers looking for a family getaway in Tsfat is the Villa Tiferet.

Zimmers

Many outside of Israel are completely oblivious as to what is a zimmer. A zimmer is a private accommodation, usually owned by an individual, and usually resembles little cottages tucked away in the countryside.

Israeli city-dwellers flock to zimmer accommodations at every available opportunity for a little rest and escape from the hectic city life. Breakfast is almost always included.

If a zimmer might be your thing then check out the some of Safed’s hideaways like the Beit Yosef B&B, The Sugar Suite, Rappeport Guest House, Sharon’s Guesthouse, The Kashamacher’s, The Reznik Guesthouse, Michael’s House, Sofer Guesthouse, Guesthouse Spa, Yonit’s Guest Apartments, Bernstein Guesthouse, Fiddler’s Inn, Artist Quarter Guesthouse, or Simcha Leah’s Zimmer.

Budget Accommodations And Hostels

For those on a tight budget then it might be best to check into a hostel. Hostels are a great way for travelers to get in touch with other travelers and you never know who you may meet.

Many of Israel’s hostels even display the wall of matches where pictures of smiling couples who met in the hostel are proudly framed and hung. In Safed check out the Ascent Hostel or the Beit Binyamin Hostel. Budget guesthouses are also a nice option when looking for a nice place to stay in Safed without breaking the bank.

Top Recommendations

Check out our top pick for one of the best safed hotels. Make your reservation today!

April 23, 2025
Yeshivat Shem V’Ever –B’nai Noach

Rabbis David Katz and Chaim Clorfene have established a yeshivah for B’nai Noach in Tzfat. This is the only yeshivah a

nywhere in the world where individuals who identify as followers of the Noahide Laws are able to study Torah under the direction of ordained Orthodox rabbis. The yeshivah also offers a conversion track for those that are interested, which will prepare the individual giur (conversion).

Bnai Noach

According to Jewish tradition, God gave seven mitzvoth – commandments – to non-Jews. B’nai Noach, also known as Noachides, are non-Jews who accept the truth of Torah and faithfully observe the Seven Laws of Noah. According to Rashi (Maimonides), any human being who faithfully observes these laws will earn a place in heaven. The seven Noahide laws include:

*1. Acknowledge that there is only one G-d

*2. Don’t curse God or take God’s name in vain.

*3. Don’t commit murder

*4. Don’t commit adultery

*5. Don’t steal

*6. Don’t eat the flesh of a living animal

*7. Establish courts of law

Bnai Noach Yeshiva of Shem V’Ever

The Bnai Noach Yeshiva of Shem and Ever is located right next to the historical Shem and Ever synagogue. It was, on this site, that the son and grandson of Noach studied Torah after the flood. According to legend, Jacob also studied in this cave and at this site he received the message that his beloved son Yosef had been killed (the young man had, in fact, been kidnapped and was later found to be living in Egypt).

Rabbi Katz, founder of SoulMazal, and Rabbi Clorfene, co-author of The Path of the Righteous Gentile, the seminal guide for Noahides, have founded Yeshivat Shem V’Ever. In addition to the Torah classes themselves, the yeshivah offers classes for people who are preparing to work with B’nai Noach and potential B’nai Noach.

The World of the Ger

In addition to the yeshivah, the book The World of the Ger, written by Rabbi Clorfene and Rabbi Katz, is available. In the book, Rabbis Katz and Clorfene present information which aids the Noahide on his unique journey. While Judaism recognizes and respects B’nai Noach, until now little has been done to facilitate the dissemination of information for people who are considering the Noahide path. The World of the Ger aims to provide support and guidance for Noahides worldwide.

Ultimately, the project aims to re-establish the status of the Biblical Ger Toshav, and prepare and educate for it’s re-establishment.

To contact the Yeshivah, write to Rabbi David Katz at soulmazal@yahoo.com

April 23, 2025
Tzfat Mikve

The Jewish laws regarding women’s’ immersion in a mikveh, a Jewish ritual bath, are complex and exacting. Not exciting. That is, until one feels the spiritual uplifting that the experience can offer. Bringing women to that spiritual plane is the goal of Women’s Tent, a unique project of the Tsfat Mikveh and Education Center founded by Nachal Novea Mekor Chochma, Breslov Tsfat.

Womenspace

Located in the mikveh facility on the very spot where Elijah the Prophet revealed secrets to the Holy Ari, the fifteenth century kabbalistic master, Nachal Novea is building a special “womenspace” and Henna Room. Creative learning experiences through workshops, lectures, group tours and special events are designed to increase the understanding and spiritual uplifting that women can gain from participating in this special commandment which God gave to women alone.

Most mikves are located in plain and simple surroundings, built so that women can quickly shower and immerse in the

mikve. The immersing woman recites a special blessing and returns home. But, the Nachal Novea mikve has built a “spiritual spa,” which opened in 2006, and is the largest and most modern mikveh facility in the entire Galilee and Golan.

In addition to adhering to the laws regarding women’s ritual needs at a mikve, the Nachal Novea mikve is designed to provide a respectful and nurturing environment to allow women to see the fulfillment of this commandment on the high spiritual level that it is. The mikve includes a separate preparation room, transport chair and mikveh for handicapped women, all of which were specially planned and designed by the rehabilitation center at Tel Hashomer Hospital.

In addition to the 14 luxurious preparation rooms, the facility also holds an elegant waiting room, beauty salon, consultation room and first aid room. The mikveh has separate passages for entry and exit, providing additional modesty and privacy. Special attention has been given to the different customs and cultural backgrounds (Ashkenazi and Sephardi) of the women the mikveh serves.

It is also designed with the highest halachic and aesthetic standards along with the most advanced comp

uter technology-making it the most unique mikveh facility in all of Israel.

Women’s Activities and Workshops

The major goal of the mikveh is educational, to promote women’s body- soul awareness towards this discreet mitzvah and towards that end, a large itinerary of women’s programs are being created. These include Arts and Culture Workshops (music, dance and visual arts), a Cooperative Gallery (to showcase womens’ services, talents and creations), Rosh Chodesh (New Moon) Gatherings (for women to connect and inspire each other ), henna parties for brides and a Health Resource Library with free counseling service offering a safe and discreet resource for women.

Elisheva Mirvis, developer of the Tsfat Mikve and its programs, explains: “The Kabbalah teaches us that when Hashem (God) destroyed the Second Temple, the “Shechina” (feminine aspect of the divine) retreated to Tsfat and it is here she is waiting for redemption. So too it is here in Tsfat that the Divine is being awakened by the connection of women to each other and to their wellspring of spirituality and purity”.

www.tsfatmikve.com

April 23, 2025