Safed is the place to be during Chanukah

 

The weather is generally still mild and the city is hopping with activities. Come to Safed for a few hours or a few days and enjoy the unique atmosphere of a Tzfat Chanukah. Here are some events that locals and tourists can enjoy in Tsfat.

*     One of the highlights of Chanukah in Safed involves the Chanukah Candles Tours that are offered each night (except Shabbat). Both Shvil HaLev/Path of the Heart and the International Center of Tzfat Kabbalah offer tours each evening for visitors to hear the stories of mystics and miracles and see the various traditions of Chanukah candle-lighting throughout the Old Jewish Quarter of Safed.

Chanukah at Ascent of Tzfat * Chanukah Parties Drinks, Live Music & Art. Come for 1 night, a few days or the whole week.

*      Musical Carlebach Hallel House of Love and Prayer -- Carlebach Style Hallel every morning of Chanukah. Bring your instruments. 8:00 Shacharit 9:00 Hallel. Inside the 1st floor of the Jerusalem Mall above the Maccabi health fund (Bank HaPoalim building -- the bank is on the 5th floor).  Chanukah party 4:30p.m. second night of Chanukah. Donations appreciated from all -- $15 donation requested for non-community members

*     Musical service at Beirav synagogue on 2nd day of Chanukah, Thursday Dec 18. Begins at 7:30a.m. Bar Mitzva

*     Walking tour of the Old Jewish Quarter. Take your own tour or open a virtual self-guided tour on your smartphone (if you don't have a smartphone, you can watch the video tour before you set out on your walk).

 

There are also concerts and chidlren's performances at Beit Yigal Alon, story hour at the library, kids' Chanukah parties at Chabad, and musical concerts in the local bars and restaurants.

 

Other Fun Chanukah Ideas

*     Warm up in any of the local cafes or restaurants and light candles with other patrons while you enjoy some genuine Tzfat cuisine.

*     Stay overnight or even for a few nights at any of the local hotels or B&Bs. There are guestrooms to fit any budget or family size.

*     Otzar HaStam

*     HaMeiri Museum

*     Cheese-making in Tzfat -- HaMeiri Cheeses and Kadosh Cheeses

*     Candle Factory

*     Art Galleries

*     Local Pool

*     Check out nearby sites:

          -  tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai at Meron (bus 361 from the Central Bus Station leaves every 1/2 hour and passes Meron on its way to Haifa)

          -  Hula Nature Reserve (bus 511 -- 1-559-599-599)from the Central Bus Station passes by the Hula Nature Reserve on its way to Kiryat Shmoneh)

          -  Tiberias (bus 450 from the Central Bus Station goes directly to Tiberias)

          -  Rosh Pinna (bus 511 (1-599-559-559)passes through Rosh Pinna on its way to Kiryat Shmoneh)

          -  Ice-skating in Ma'alot (bus 367 (1-599-559-559) from the Central Bus Station)

          -  Canada Center (swimming and ice-skating) in Metulla (bus 511 1-599-559-559 )to Kiryat Shmoneh and then a cab to Metulla

          -  Talmudic Village, Golan Winery in Katzrin (bus 511 1-599-559-559)to Hatzor HaGlilit and then bus 53 to Katzrin

          -  Nahariya, a seaside town about an hour west of Safed. Bus 367 (1-599-559-559) travels directly there and back a few times daily. Free beach.

          -  Local hikes which start from Safed include Biriya hike, Nahal Amud hike, Nahal Rosh Pinna hike