Beirav Synagogue

It's The Place To Be

Although the Beirav Synagogue is one of the new synagogues in Safed, it is not one of the least popular. Everyone in Safed knows of its special Shabbat and holiday services and during the famous Safed Klezmer festival held annually in the city, the synagogue becomes more difficult to get into than a presidential inaugural ball. Arriving early, whether for a Shabbat service or a Klezmer performance is key when deciding to visit the Beirav synagogue.

A Little History

This synagogue was apparently built in the nineteenth century, after the great earthquake in Safed. The building was constructed originally as a religious academy and was named after Ya'acov Beirav, one of the great rabbis of sixteenth-century Safed. For many years, the Hungarian community of Safed used the synagogue, but when their numbers diminished, the synagogue ceased functioning. Several years ago, members of the English-speaking community in Safed renewed services in the synagogue. Today, visitors from all over the world come to the synagogue to take part in Sabbath and holiday prayer services conducted in the lively musical tradition of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach.

It's All About Music

Anyone with a passion for music, song, and/or dance will feel right at home in the Beirav Synagogue. The "Carlebach Minyan" that prays here warmly welcomes visitors, and holds many musical events featuring the melodies made famous by Rabbi Carlebach. The synagogue also serves as one of the performance venues during the Safed Klezmer Festival and holds special musical minyans during the festival. The synagogue can accommodate about 100 people, but on Sabbaths and holidays the crowd overflows into the nearby lanes and square. The synagogue is not affiliated with one stream of Judaism and you will find ultra orthodox, Hassidim, secular Israelis and foreign tourists all dancing and singing together on Friday evenings in order to welcome the arrival of Shabbat in a festive manner.

Simtat Meginei Tzfat, Old City. Tel. 04-6921849, 04-6972376

www.beirav.org