This year Armand Taber visits the ancient mystical city of Safed. The northernmost city of Isreal, Safed became a spiritual center in the 16th century, when many Jewish mystics and scholars settled there. The scholars brought with them Jewish mysticism known as Kabbalah (or Cabala) which was once a well-kept secret, even to most Israelis.
Safed is at an elevation of 900 meters being the highest city in the Galilee and in Israel.
The Abuhav Synagogue is a 15th-century synagogue in Safed, Israel, named after 15th-century Spanish rabbi and kabbalist, Isaac Abuhav. Its design is said to be based upon kabbalistic teachings.
Legend claims that the synagogue was transported miraculously from Spain to Safed.
The Ari Ashkenazi Synagogue was built in memory of Rabbi Isaac Luria, the foremost Jewish mystic in the community of Safed.
Here in the old part of town, the streets are narrow and paved with cobblestones.
As I quickly make my way down the street, I see some wonderful gift shops.
Seen from Safed, Mount Meron is the resting place of Simeon bar Yochai believed to be the author of the Zohar.
Safed, along with Jerusalem, Hebron and Tiberias, is one of the four holy cities in Israel.
Safed was a mixed ethnic city during the British Mandate for Palestine.
A city of beauty, legend has it that Safed was founded by a son of Noah after the Great Flood.