You are currently viewing Israel Trip Fall 2016 – Day 13 – Artist Community on a Mountaintop!
Shut the Door! Keep the evil out!

Israel Trip Fall 2016 – Day 13 – Artist Community on a Mountaintop!

We traveled to a famous ancient city on top of a mountain, where the Zoar (book of mysteries) was written. It has been a center of Jewish thought and mysticism, the city (never spelled the same way twice!)  Sefad, Zefat, Sfat, ? …  we were told watch for the blue doors. It has something to do with keeping evil out, because the blue symbolizes heaven.

Sign to Zefat Oct 09 5 20 59 AM - The Crossover Project Safed Guest House Oct 09 9 06 54 AM - The Crossover Project Safed Evening View from Mt. Oct 09 9 56 07 AM - The Crossover Project

We met a Jewish cowboy/sofer, who can check tefillin and write scripture in Hebrew by mystically authentic strokes for you “while you wait.” Zalmon, from Arizona, was the only certified sofer west of the Mississippi for years.  He made Alyah to Israel and brought his business with him, in a location near his home at the top of the mountain.

Zalman from Safed Israel Torah scribe - The Crossover Project

He told us a few experiences from his life, but while writing, he never spoke one word.

Sofer at Safed writing
Zalmon Silently Writing

Safed Gallery Mall 20161009 171945 - The Crossover Project  Safed Weavers.Oct 09 6 56 30 AM - The Crossover Project

In Safed, artisans openly work in their shops, and weavers produce talits on wooden looms, amazing and beautiful!

Safed kitty.20161009 171911 - The Crossover Project

We walked through narrow passageways, stone underfoot.  There was an ancient but friendly atmosphere, more relaxed than Jerusalem!

Safed Rooftop View.Rozalie.Oct 09 7 03 38 AM - The Crossover Project

A rooftop deck overlooks the mountains surrounding Safed… with good air, and folksy music coming from the restaurant below.

Safed WineTasting Oct 09 9 29 39 AM - The Crossover Project

At the winery, located on the mountain, offers tasting for visitors…

Safed Moshe Winery Oct 09 9 39 55 AM - The Crossover Project  Safed Keren at Winery Oct 09 9 40 05 AM - The Crossover Project

we enjoyed sips of original wines by a local couple, Moshe and Keren, who invited us to Shabbat dinner whenever we can make it back.

Join us in Israel!

Leave a Reply