Our first stop takes us to Meiron, home to the Kever (tomb) of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most revered figures in Jewish history. Rashbi, as he is affectionately known, is credited with revealing the Zohar, the foundational text of Kabbalah. His teachings brought depth and mystery to Jewish thought, influencing generations of scholars and seekers. Every year, on Lag BaOmer, hundreds of thousands of Jews flock to this very site to celebrate his life and teachings in a festival of light and joy.

Surrounding Meiron, we will explore the Meiron National Park, a stunning area filled with ancient ruins and breathtaking landscapes, reminding us of the Jewish communities that once thrived in this region.

From Meiron, we ascend to Safed, one of Israel’s Four Holy Cities (alongside Jerusalem, Hebron, and Tiberias). Safed’s spiritual energy is palpable, its narrow stone streets filled with stories of Torah scholars, Kabbalists, and dreamers who sought to understand the secrets of creation.

At the Crusader Fortress, we will stand where battles were fought and communities built, taking in the panoramic views of the mystical city below. Wandering through the Simtat HaMashiach (Messiah’s Alley), a small winding alleyway that hints at deep-rooted Jewish longing for redemption, we’ll step into the footsteps of those who dreamed of a brighter future.

No visit to Safed is complete without entering its ancient synagogues, each with a story etched in its stones.

• The Ashkenazi Ari Synagogue – Named after Rabbi Yitzchak Luria (the Ari HaKadosh), one of the greatest Kabbalists of all time, this synagogue is filled with Kabbalistic symbolism. It is said that the Ari and his students would go to a nearby field to welcome Shabbat, a tradition that inspired the song “Lecha Dodi”, sung in synagogues worldwide every Friday night.
  
  
• Abuhav Synagogue – Home to a Torah scroll said to be written by Rabbi Abuhav himself, this stunning synagogue is rich in Kabbalistic design, from its blue-painted interior to the intricate paintings of the Menorah, Luchot (Tablets of the Law), and musical instruments of the Beit HaMikdash.
  
  

The Alsheich Synagogue – Built over 500 years ago, this synagogue is named after the Alsheich HaKadosh, a great Torah commentator and leader of Safed’s Jewish community during the Ottoman period.

The Artists’ Colony is a perfect reflection of Safed’s spiritual and creative soul. As we walk through the cobblestone streets, we’ll see Kabbalah-inspired artwork, hear the melodies of street musicians, and perhaps even meet some of the artists who call this mystical city home.

Finally, we’ll visit the Old Jewish Cemetery, where the graves of great Kabbalists and rabbis such as the Ari HaKadosh, Rabbi Yosef Karo (author of the Shulchan Aruch), and Rabbi Moshe Cordovero (Ramak) lie. Standing here, surrounded by centuries of Jewish history, we feel an unbreakable connection to our past and our future.