Our Rig

Our Rig
Camping

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Day trip to Sefat area Israel

Map picture

Located at an elevation of 900 metres (2,953 ft), Sefat is the highest city in the Galilee and in Israel.Due to its high elevation, Sefat experiences warm summers and cold, often snowy, winters.Since the 16th century, Safed has been considered one of Judaism's Four Holy Cities, along with Jerusalem, Hebron and Tiberias; since that time, the city has remained a center of Kabbalah, also known as Jewish mysticism.

Due to its mild climate and scenic views, Safed is a popular holiday resort frequented by Israelis and foreign visitors.

Our only lake-kinneret can be seen from the high points of the city-a magnificent sight in a clear day.

We started our trip by visiting Mount Meron with an overlook to  fantastic views ,the weather in Mid November is just perfect , the Pelicans agreed and gave us an incredible airshow while using the hot air to glide.

TzfatTzfat

There is not a drop of rain in Israel during the summer months (easy for the weather people…) but some rain in November have awaken few flowers to pop out from the grounds and give the place some nice colors.

Tzfat   Tzfat

North of country is full of ancient Synagogues and each one has his own story,in this case we visited Nevoraya village and the remains of the Synagogue near it. The Synagogue was small suggesting that the number of people living close by was small.

Tzfat

Tzfat Tzfat Tzfat

After our guide has talked about the era and the significance of the place we continued to Sefat to have lunch and tour the old quarters.

Tzfat

50% of the population in Sefat are Orthodox Jews ,and as you can see most have more children than the non Orthodox people…..3 in the basket and two bigger kids…I did not see the wife,she might be pregnant again…

Tzfat

The old part of the city is very nice ,full of beautiful narrow alleys with inviting shops,some with great views too,it reminds part of old Jerusalem.

Tzfat

Tzfat

Tzfat

TzfatTzfatTzfat

On top of strolling through these alleys enjoying authentic food and drinks there are few beautiful Synagogues to visit,each one with its story and a place to wash hands.

In one Synagogue there is a bullet hole from a shot in 1948 ,if the prayer did not bow at that moment during his pray it would have hit the back of his head,how lucky he was to do his pray with a full heart… and meaning…

TzfatTzfat

Tzfat

Here is a peek into a closed yard of this house, all the walls are made from thick stones that helps to keep the place cool in the summer and warm in the winter (it snows up here…but in mid November it is still warm)

 

Tzfat

Before leaving this unique city we experienced a beautiful sunset,a nice ending to a very nice day.

Tzfat

Tzfat

The locals say “we have everything we need but need more tourists”-So do plan a visit to Zefat on you next visit to Israel

4 comments:

Karen and Tony said...

Great photographs! Thank for the tour of these old cities. :-)

Donna W. said...

great scenic views and what a gorgeous synagogue. Love the narrow streets I could just see people walking there in their long robes centuries ago.
thanks for tour

John and Carol said...

What a beautiful photo of the pelicans!
Do you suppose that fellow had triplets! Maybe his wife was home in bed.

Peter said...

Again, all that ancient culture is mind-boggling.