Tzimmer Chasam Sofer

If you want your own "home away from home" zimmer in the heart of the Old City of Safed then the Tzimmer Chasam Sofer is for you. Situated less than a minute's walk from both the Midrahov and the Kikar (square) in the Old City, this zimmer, with its own private entrance, is an ideal place to experience the beauty and holiness of a Sabbath in Safed.

The Room

This zimmer has been completely renovated with modern facilities while retaining its traditional stone structure and lovely high domed ceiling. The room has been very tastefully decorated and furnished and can sleep up to five people. Window blinds allow light into the large space while enabling you to keep your privacy from any passers-by in the street. There is a sofa-bed which, when open, can be set up as a double or twin beds and there is room for extra beds or a crib if required. With a wooden chest of drawers, a bamboo shelving unit and a coat rack where you can hang your hat, you have all the space you need for your Shabbat finery. There is a table and chairs where you can eat and a Shabbat lamp is available so you can study late into the night if you like. You can even ask for a Kiddush cup and Shabbat candles if you forget to bring your own.

The Kitchen

Off to one side of the main room is a kitchen equipped with a fridge, preparation area, storage cupboards and a large kitchen sink. The whole layout makes it easy to use and there is enough room for a warming platter for Shabbat which is also provided. The beautiful ritual washing cup matches the kitchen tiles and is an example of the thoughtfulness put into this zimmer.

The Bathroom

As well as the usual facilities, chosen with great care, there is a corner Jacuzzi bath/shower unit. Whether you stay here just for a Shabbat or even a week or longer, sitting in a hot Jacuzzi will enable you to really relax and allow the mystical nature of Safed to reach you.

Getting There

Chasam Sofer is a pedestrian only street that slopes down into to Old City about half way up the Midrahov from the gesher (bridge), on the left hand side of the road. The zimmer is at Number 51 about half way along on the left hand side of the road.

If you are coming by car, you can park your car in the main parking lot by the Great Stairs and either walk up the stairs (if you don't have a lot of luggage!) or walk along Tarpat to Kikar Hameginim (the square in the center of the Old City). When you get to the square take the parallel street of Chasam Sofer and walk back in the direction you've just come and the zimmer is on your right.

Booking

The owners are originally from the US, are Sabbath observant and keep a kosher mehadrin home.

Rates vary throughout the year from 400 shks a night in the winter during the week for the room for a couple, to 600 shks for a couple during the height of the summer.

Rates do not include any meals, although home cooked kosher mehadrin meals are available by arrangement in advance.

Contact

By email: hershel@galleryrobinson.com

N.B. Guests are asked to keep the kitchen "kosher - mehadrin" and not to smoke.