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.
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.
He told us a few experiences from his life, but while writing, he never spoke one word.
In Safed, artisans openly work in their shops, and weavers produce talits on wooden looms, amazing and beautiful!
We walked through narrow passageways, stone underfoot. There was an ancient but friendly atmosphere, more relaxed than Jerusalem!
A rooftop deck overlooks the mountains surrounding Safed… with good air, and folksy music coming from the restaurant below.
At the winery, located on the mountain, offers tasting for visitors…
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.
