Israel Trip

Where we stayed (it was a cute little place.. Perfect for our two days in Zefat/Tzfat)

The view from just out side our place

The sunset from the street we stayed on.

Went on a little adventure our first night there. We got a little lost but finally found a place to watch the soccer game at least :)

Described below and pictured above is the "Davidka" mortar, designed by an Israeli during the 1948 War for Independence. Used in many regions of the conflict, the Davidka was influential in forcing the Arab residents of Tzfat (approx. 90% of the population at the time) to flee from the area. The Davidka is incredibly loud, and though it did/does little damage, the sound made the Arabs flee.

Ready for our adventures!

Morning view :)

Clock tower and adjacent building built by the Ottomans

Shakshuka - a popular Israeli breakfast.

A few pictures from the Ashkenaz Ari Synagogue. Built in the 16th century. Eventually attended by the Ari(AriZal) himself, Rabbi Isaac Luria, who incorporated much Kabbalistic aspects to Ashkenazi life. He also instituted the practice of welcoming Shabbos (Kabbalat Shabbat) by going out to a field and sing with his congregation, a custom done around the world today minus the field.

The hole is from a piece of shrapnell that flew into the synagogue during the 1948 war. Though the Shul was full, no one was harmed.

The Bima

HaAron HaKodesh (Ark which holds the Torah Scrolls)

Yemenite Jews cooking :-)

Baruch in a traditional Yeminite Jewish head cover (Turban)

The famous Tzfat Candle store. This is a big Havdalah candle... whoa

KING JULIAN!!

Timon and Pumba

Chess anyone?
Chassidim vs.

Mitnagdim

David vs. Goliath

MINIONS

A bookshelf. LOVE IT!

This is a famous narrow alley way in Tzfat, in which a woman would climb and sit awaiting the Meshiach. She believed that Meshiach would come through Tzfat on his way to Yerushalayim and come specifically down this alley way. Long after her family passed away she still made the climb. Eventually Israel installed railings for her to make the climb easier.