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. View of Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee

Editor's note: This is the second in a yearlong series of bimonthly articles by the Israel Ministry of Tourism
specially commissioned by the Detroit Jewish News.

Julie Cooper

Special to the Jewish News

Chicago

F

all is a spiritual time of year in
Judaism and it is a special time
to be in Israel. While there is no
dearth of holy places to visit in Israel,
there are two holy cities in particular —
two of the holiest cities in Judaism — that
don't always make it on to the typical itin-
erary: Tzfat and Tiberias.
Located in the Galilee region, both these
cities may be small, but they are infused
with a powerful spiritual atmosphere and
fascinating history. _
The central city of the Galilee region,
Tiberias rose to prominence in Jewish
history following the destruction of the
Second Temple, when it became the seat
of the Sanhedrin and a center for Jewish
Art galleries in Tzfat
learning. The Jerusalem Talmud was com-
piled there around 200 C.E. The city lies
on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee,
Tzfat is also a city of the arts. It is home to many
a scenic location offering incredible vistas and sunrise
artists and one can spend a leisurely afternoon walk-
views to early risers. While Tiberias is featured promi-
ing the cobblestone streets and exploring the many
nently on Christian trips to Israel, because of its central- galleries. The city also hosts an annual Klezmer
ity in the life of Jesus, there are many sites of signifi-
Festival for three days in the summer, which fills the
cance for Jewish visitors in the city. Some of Judaism's
streets day and night with music and dancing. For
more important sages are buried in Tiberias, including
more information, visit www.safed.co.il.
Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Yochanan Ben-Zakai and Moses Ben
If you're in the neighborhood, another city of
Maimonides. Maimonides' tomb is one of the most vis-
spiritual significance worth visiting is Meron, just 13
ited sites in the region, with Jewish pilgrims visiting to
miles west of Tzfat. Several important rabbis are bur-
pray for good health, luck in love and fertility.
ied here, most significantly Rabbi Shimon Bar-Yochai,
Twenty miles northwest of Tiberias lies Tzfat,
a survivor of the Bar Kochba Revolt and purported
Judaism's mystical city. Although home to a Jewish
author of the Zohar. During Lag b'Omer, tens of thou-
population from the time of the Crusaders, Tzfat became sands of pilgrims gather in Meron to celebrate.
a true center of Jewish learning following the expulsion
Even if you're not in Israel for the holiday season,
of Spain's Jews in 1492. Rabbis and spiritual leaders
be sure to add these cities to your next itinerary —
flocked to Tzfat and the city developed as the center of
you will find them to be truly uplifting places to visit.
Kabbalah study. To this day, Tzfat attracts Jewish believ-
Best wishes from all of us at the Israel Government
ers who want to immerse themselves in Jewish learning
Tourist Office, Midwest Region for a shanah tovah. Cl
and spirituality. Historical sites of interest include three
synagogues dating back to the 16th century — the
Julie Cooper is director of public relations for the Israel
Abouhav Sephardic synagogue, the Caro Synagogue and
Government Tourist Office-Midwest Region. For more
the Ha'Ari Ashkenazi synagogue.
information on traveling to Israel, visit www.goisrael.com .

26

September 16 • 2010

View of Tzfat countryside

Maimonides` tomb marker in Tiberias

