Tours With A Kabbalistic Bent

Combined Interests

Baruch Emanuel Erdstein is a musician, tour guide, and Kabbalah student living in the ancient Israeli city of Safed. Baruch somehow manages to mix it up, combining his interests: music, the city of Safed, Kabbalah, and people, into one harmonious blend in the form of spiritual tours of the historical city as he weaves some of his native suburban Detroit Motown magic into the brew. Here follows an interview with Erdstein that will be sure to pique the most jaded tourist's imagination:

Q: Tell me about your spiritual tours of the Old City of Safed, Baruch Emanuel. What is unique about your tour—what do you provide that other tour guides cannot?

A: Safed is known around the world as an ancient and beautiful city, but what inspired me to make Safed my home was the rich and profound mystical tradition here, which I believe is so relevant today. From the 16th century Kabbalists to Chassidic mystics and today's colorful Jewish revival here in Safed, I try to convey the energy and excitement that this city inspires—all based on more than a decade of serious textual study of the classic works of the Kabbalah, particularly the writings of the holy Arizal, Rabbi Yitzchak (Isaac) Luria. By weaving lessons in Jewish mysticism with stories both ancient and modern and meeting with local people along the way, we use Safed as a stage to really grow as people and hopefully come away as better, deeper, individuals, inspired by tradition, the land, and the Jewish nation.

I particularly enjoy small groups of friends or families—especially those with kids. Personal dynamics are the most important thing to me. I've found that by the end of a day people have had experiences together through which they've become closer as a group.

Why Safed?

Q: What is special about Safed? Why there? Why not Jerusalem?

A: Of course, Jerusalem is the Holy City. All of the dreams and aspirations of the Jewish people will be manifest there. But, not only for me now, but for very many others for many generations, Safed has been a place of beginnings. The small village atmosphere, outrageously beautiful nature, the fresh air, and especially access to the holy places here, make it a good place to grow through learning, teaching, being creative, and raising a family—all in a relatively pure environment. A person might think that Safed is cut off from the rest of world, but I feel like it’s the center—at least when we tap into the clarity of mind that Safed can provide.

For more information, write to: baruch@ingatheringmusic.com or phone: (0)52-251-5134