Israel Day 4: Goodbye to the North, Hello Jerusalem

L'cha Dodi Likrat Kallah, P'nei Shabbat N'kabalah - Come, my beloved, to greet the bride, we will receive her face: Shabbat

These words were written in the mystical city of Tzfat/Tsfat/Safed and start one of the prayers we say on Friday nights,  welcoming the time of Shabbat and the period of rest and reflection. Today, we stood in the streets of Tzfat. Looking out at the majestic mountainside view, we sang this song of Shabbat in anticipation of Shabbat, which we will experience tomorrow in Jerusalem.

The view along today's run ... not as cloudy,  but still beautiful.  I'll miss you, lush mountains! 

These travelers did not pre - plan their outfits

Also in Tzfat, we meet with a glass blower, Sheva Chana, who have us a demonstration of her craft and a glimpse into the life of an artist in Tzfat. There are still many artists of different kinds in this mystical city which our tour guide,  Shelley, aptly described as "a mix between Berkeley and Jerusalem. "

We also visited some historic synagogues in the area - those of Rabbi Josef Caro and Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Ari...not this Ari). We learned of the innovations to Judaism that originated in this northern city.

Learning how the printing press spread Rabbi Yoseph Caro's book of law, the Shulchan Aruch.

After some shopping and an encounter with a bar mitzvah celebration, it was time to say goodbye to the North and head towards Jerusalem. Driving by the Sea of Galilee, we stopped along the way at the Galil chocolate factory and made our own chocolate bars!

Then on to Jerusalem, where we first laid eyes on the heart of our peoples' narratives. We said a special shehekheyanu prayer, giving thanks for the moment, recognizing how many generations of our people and our families had yearned to be able to see this site. Another fabulous day in the holy land!