Discover Israel

An ancient city with archaeological findings dating back to 3200 BCE, its golden age was undoubtedly the 16th century CE, when the mystical Jewish movement—formed by Jews expelled from Spain in the 15th century—settled in Tzfat. Great scholars of Jewish mysticism, preserved in ancient writings, and rabbis who composed Hebrew liturgy infused with Halachic (Jewish legal) principles, made Tzfat a treasure trove of ancient synagogues and tombs of revered rabbis. It remains a pilgrimage site for Jews from around the world.

A mystical source of Kabbalah, believed to have been revealed to the world in the 13th century. Every year, on Lag BaOmer (Lag = 33 in Gematria, 33 days after Passover), thousands gather at his tomb to celebrate his passing. A large bonfire is lit, and it has become customary to bring three-year-old boys for their first haircut.

Named after Herod’s friend Tiberius. Tiberias was the final station of the Sanhedrin before it ceased to function in the 4th century. Here, the Jerusalem Talmud was compiled (despite its name), alongside the Babylonian Talmud, written by sages who fled the Land of Israel and settled along the Euphrates in Babylon. In Tiberias, the Hebrew vowel system was developed to help new readers understand the language, which traditionally lacks written vowels—making comprehension difficult without deep knowledge (e.g., “Understand” could be written as “Undrstnd”). Tiberias is also home to the tombs of Rabbi Akiva, a key figure in the Bar Kokhba revolt of 132 CE, and Rambam (הרמב"ם), the renowned 13th-century rabbi and philosopher whose timeless works are still studied today.