Safed (Tzfat)
AbrahamicJewishcityMiddle East1 BCE - present
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Location
Country
Israel
Region
Middle East
Coordinates
32.9646, 35.4964
Era
1 BCE - present
Site Type
City
About
A hilltop city in the Galilee renowned as the world center of Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah in the 16th century.
Significance
Birthplace of the Shulchan Aruch (Joseph Karo) and the Lurianic Kabbalah tradition; one of Judaism's four holy cities.
History & Historical Arc
Became a major Jewish intellectual hub in the 1500s under Ottoman rule, attracting scholars such as Rabbi Joseph Karo, R…
Archaeological Notes
Ancient synagogues dating to the Byzantine period have been identified in the region; the Old City preserves numerous 16…
Key Features & Structures
- Ari Ashkenazi Synagogue
- Joseph Karo Synagogue
Visitor Information
Old City freely walkable; synagogues open during daylight hours with respectful dress; art galleries throughout the quar…
Related Figures
Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Ari)Rabbi Joseph KaroRabbi Moses Cordovero