Azamra, the Jewish House
Tourists to Tzfat are used to being taken to see Tzfat's historical sites. They expect an overview of the history of the city, some information about the old synagogues, and, of course, a walk along "Trinket Alley" where the galleries of Judaica display art, jewelry, and other items of interest.
What nobody expects, however, is to find their home in Tzfat.
Yet that is exactly the goal of Azamra, the "Jewish House" of Tzfat.
Located in the heart of the Old City's tourist district, Azamra aims to offer visitors to Tzfat the opportunity to sit down and relax in "their home" in Tzfat. Azamra offers a homey-type atmosphere, with comfortable tables and chairs, food, books, soft music, and a friendly staff which is always ready to discuss any issues that the traveler has on his or her mind.
Background
"Azamra" takes its name from the mitzvah that Rabbi Nachman, revered leader of the Breslav Hassidim, exhorted his followers to strive towards every day. Each person, Rabbi Nachman taught, has the unlimited potential to perform good deeds. Most people don't pursue this way of life, Rabbi Nachman said, because they become caught up in a cycle of mistakes and bad decisions. However, it is our job to teach our fellow man and woman to look beyond past mistakes, and to encourage each other to keep our goal of good deeds in our minds at all times.
Tzfat's Azamra is part of a network of "Jewish Houses" that stretches from South America to India. Like Chabad's "Chabad House", the Jewish Houses were set up to offer Jewish travelers, usually young Israelis, the opportunity to stop in their travels and rest in a Jewish atmosphere. Staffed by young families, these Jewish Houses provide physical and spiritual nourishment for the travelers, with classes, discussions, and Shabbat and holiday celebrations offered. The Jewish-Identity organization Arachim funds several of these Houses, and others are financed by different supporters.
What's Available
Azamra of Tzfat is run by Dan and Irit, young parents of 3 small children, who have created a comfortable corner in the midst of the commercial district where travelers are not badgered to buy anything. Educational materials are on sale, but selling them is not the objective - between Azamra's many offerings of art workshops, open classes, musical nights, daily discussions, and Shabbat hospitality, Dan and Irit simply want each and every visitor to feel as if he, or she, has found their home in Tzfat.
