Zissil - User contributions [en]

Carmel-Hotel-Safed

2012-05-06T20:30:53Z

UniqueKruper:

{{Infobox
|title = Carmel Hotel
|image = [[File:00000287 carmel hotel safed.jpg|215px|alt=Carmel Hotel]]
|header1 = Hebrew:
|data2 = מלון כרמל
|header3 = Pronunciation:
|data4 = Ma’alon Kar-mel
|header7 = Description:
|data8 = Moderately-priced hotel in the Old Jewish Quarter of Safed, Israel.}}

Visitors to [[Safed]] can relax at the comfortable and conveniently-located Carmel hotel, situated on HaAri Street along the northern edge of the [[Old City Safed|Old City]].

== Location ==
The Carmel Hotel is located on HaAri Street, above the HaAri 8 restaurant at the edge of the Old Jewish Quarter of Tzfat. It is within a five-minute walk of the historical [[Tzfat-Synagogues|Safed Synagogues]] and [[Safed-Tourism|historical sites]] of the Old City. It is approximately a 15 minute walk from the Tzfat cemetery and the Ari Mikve. There is parking for hotel guests next to the hotel entrance.

== Accommodations ==
The hotel has twelve rooms, all of which have attached showers and toilets. The twelve rooms are simple, clean and comfortable. There is a total of forty beds in the hotel. The Carmel hotel attracts many school and family groups along with yeshivas and seminary groups. Rooms have twin beds and can accommodate extra beds if reserved ahead of time. The rooms have cable TV as well as air-conditioning/heating.

=== Views ===
There is a communal balcony which faces the Meron mountain range for guests to sit and relax.The upstairs rooms have private balconies with views of the surrounding region. In addition, guests may ascend to the hotel’s rooftop which provides an additional opportunity to enjoy the view.

=== Prices ===
The prices at the Carmel are moderate at approximately $75 per room per night.

== Dining ==
The hotel has an on-site dining room which serves kosher food to groups who reserve meals ahead of time. Groups may order breakfast or, if they are staying over the Sabbath, Shabbat meals. The Carmel dining room sits over 80 people so additional diners may join at mealtimes. The large dining room also allows groups to hold family celebrations at the Carmel. Guests who wish to order kosher l’mehadrin food may do so by reserving the additional kashruth level in advance. In addition, guests have access to a guest refrigerator, a warming platter on the Sabbath and a hot water urn with a coffee/tea corner.

=== Sabbath Observant ===
The hotel requests that guests who book for the Sabbath adhere to the laws of the Sabbath. The hotel provides Sabbath amenities and offers a Sabbath-observant atmosphere. The price for Sabbath reservations is slightly higher than the weekday rate.

{{Safed Hotels}}

[[Category:Israeli Hotels]]
[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000287-carmel-hotel-safed.jpg

2012-05-06T20:28:53Z

UniqueKruper: Carmel hotel on Ari Street of Old City Tzfat. Category:Safed

Carmel hotel on Ari Street of Old City Tzfat.

[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000286-messianic-era-gallery-safed.jpg

2012-04-30T20:23:18Z

UniqueKruper:

Former Messianic Era Gallery on Tarpat street in Old City Safed, Israel. Gallery Yimos Hamoshiach by artist MD Weinstock is now closed.

[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000286-messianic-era-gallery-safed.jpg

2012-04-30T20:20:53Z

UniqueKruper: Category:Safed

[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000285-zefat-academic-college.jpg

2012-04-30T20:12:07Z

UniqueKruper: Zefat Academic College on Jerusalem Street Safed. Category:Safed

Zefat Academic College on Jerusalem Street Safed.

[[Category:Safed]]

Tel-Aviv-Hotel-Safed

2012-04-24T20:44:21Z

UniqueKruper:

{{Infobox
|title = Tel Aviv Hotel
|image = [[File:00000284 entrance tel aviv hotel safed.jpg|215px|alt=Tel Aviv Hotel Safed]]
|header1 = Hebrew:
|data2 = מלון תל אביב צפת
|header5 = Other Names:
|data6 = Malon Tel Aviv Tzfat, Berenson House
|header7 = Description:
|data8 = Hotel in the Old City of Safed, Israel
}}
The Tel Aviv Hotel of [[Safed]], is located on the northern edge of the [[Old City Safed|Old City]] and one of the oldest hotels in the city. This centrally located [[Tzfat-Synagogues|Tzfat hotel]] was recently bought by [[Ascent Institute Safed|Accent]], a Chabad run organization.

== History ==

The building which now houses the Tel Aviv Hotel served as the consulate of the Austro-Hungarian Empire during [[Ottoman-Rule-of-Safed-1760-to-1918|Turkish rule of the area]]. Following the end of World War I and the commencement of [[British-Rule-of-Safed-1918-to-1948|British rule]] in Israel the building was turned into an annex of the nearby Rothchild hospital, functioning as a maternity ward. The Jewish self-defense paramilitary group, the Palmach, stored arms and held training exercises illegally in the hospital, relying on British soldiers’ reticence to investigate in an area where mothers were giving birth.

Following [[Safed War of Independence|Independence in 1948]], the Berenson family bought the building and turned it into a hotel. For many years the Tel Aviv hotel was a popular site in Tzfat, attracting government officials, diplomats and other travelers who were looking for a relaxing place to stay which allowed them to enjoy the Safed air and attractions.

== Hotel ==

The Tel Aviv hotel rooms surround a central courtyard where guests can sit to have a cup of coffee, chat or just relax quietly. The hotel has 40 rooms located on two floors (no elevator). Some rooms have four beds and some rooms have two beds, making the Tel Aviv hotel a convenient vacation spot for groups and families alike.

== Meals ==

Hotel guests can chose to book with half-board or full-board, creating a convenient option for visitors who wish to eat breakfasts and/or dinners right at the hotel. The hotel has a “mehadrin” -- high level -- hechsher, making it an attractive venue for Orthodox guests who are concerned about maintaining a high level of kashruth when they travel.

== Management ==

In recent years the Tel Aviv hotel has come under the management of the [[Ascent-Institute-Safed|Ascent Youth Hostel]] which is located right next-door. Ascent opens its library, classes and educational activities to guests at the hotel. The hotel accepts bookings from school, youth and tour groups as well as individual visitors.

{{Safed Hotels}}

[[Category:Israeli Hotels]]
[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000284-entrance-tel-aviv-hotel-safed.jpg

2012-04-24T20:40:45Z

UniqueKruper: Entrance to the Tel Aviv Hotel in Old City Safed. Category:Safed

Entrance to the Tel Aviv Hotel in Old City Safed.

[[Category:Safed]]

Daniel-Flatauer-Ceramics-Studio-Safed

2012-04-23T20:32:46Z

UniqueKruper:

{{Infobox
|title = Daniel Flatauer
|image = [[File:00000283 daniel flatauer safed craft pottery.jpg|215px|alt=Abuhav Synagogue]]
|header1 = Hebrew:
|data2 = קרמיקה דניאל פלטאור
|header3 = Pronunciation:
|data4 = Flat-tow-er
|header5 = Other Names:
|data6 = Tzfat Ceramics
|header7 = Description:
|data8 = Tzfat potter}}

Daniel Flatauer has been creating ceramics in Tzfat for over 30 years, including ceramic Judaica.

== Background ==
Daniel Flatauer was born and raised in England where he studied Education and Developmental Psychology. He taught elementary school for several years before apprenticing as a potter to a craftsman in East Anglia. He decided to move to Japan continue his ceramics studies and decided to make a short stop in Israel along the way. Once in Israel, Daniel found that he didn’t want to leave. He married and he and his wife bought a small house on the outskirts of Tzfat’s Artist Quarter where his studio and gallery are located next to his house.

== Inspiration ==
Daniel is inspired by the possibilities of creating earthenware objects, and specifically Judaica, as an expression of the Jewish connections to clay. Jewish texts, including Jeremiah 18: 6 (“O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay in the potter's hand, so are ye in My hand, O house of Israel”) and a Yom Kippur meditation (“Like the clay in the hand of the potter- he expands it at will and contracts it at will”) express the idea that God shapes and molds each of us. These are Daniel’s inspirations as he creates a wide variety of ceramic objects.

== Discussions ==
Groups are invited into Daniel’s studio to watch him work the potter’s wheel as he discusses the introspection that shapes his work. He discusses God’s choice of clay as the material that was used to shape Adam and connects the creation of his objects to “giving birth on a potter’s wheel” -- a reference to the verse in Exodus 1:16 which describes Jewish women giving birth on a birthing stool. Daniel feels that every piece of clay contains aspects of the craftsman who creates the object. He identifies aspects of his own past as well as those of his teachers and other individuals who shaped his life and his art in his pottery. He teaches that as each object moves on to its new owner its story takes on new details that come from its new owners.

== Objects ==
Daniel works with a wide variety of textures, forms, and techniques. He likes to experiment with different methods of work including trying out new glazes and shapes. In addition to functional kitchenware, including serving dishes, tea kettles and plates he molds Judaica for the entire year such as menorahs, kiddush cups, candle sticks, washing cups and seder plates.

== Gallery ==
Daniel’s gallery is on Yud Aleph Street on the edge of the [[Artists Quarter Safed]] below the General Exhibition. Daniel enjoys working in the quiet of Tzfat and welcomes visitors into his studio to learn and experience Tzfat ceramics.

File:00000283-daniel-flatauer-safed-craft-pottery.jpg

2012-04-23T20:32:11Z

UniqueKruper: Pottery shop of Daniel Flatauer in the Artists Quarter of Safed. Category:Safed

Pottery shop of Daniel Flatauer in the [[Artists-Quarter-Safed|Artists Quarter of Safed]].

[[Category:Safed]]

Noam-Synagogue-Safed

2012-04-19T20:22:04Z

UniqueKruper: /* Community Synagogue */

{{Infobox
|title = Beit Knesset Noam
|image = [[File:00000265 beit knesset noam safed sign.jpg|215px|alt=Abuhav Synagogue]]
|header1 = Hebrew:
|data2 = בית הכנסת נועם
|header3 = Pronunciation:
|data4 = No-am
|header5 = Other Names
|data6 = Wolfson Synagogue, Saraya Synagogue
|header7 = Description:
|data8 = Community synagogue in Safed, Israel.}}

Dovid Yehuda coordinates the Noam Synagogue which meets for morning prayers each day as well as Sabbath and holiday services. It is located in the [[Saraya Safed|Saraya fortress]] of [[Safed]].

== History ==
Following the [[Safed War of Independence|War of Independence]], the [[Saraya Safed|Saraya building]], which had served as the administrative headquarters of both the [[Ottoman Rule of Safed 1760 to 1918|Ottoman Turks]] and the [[British Rule of Safed 1918 to 1948|British governors]], became a community center. It served, first, as a center for new immigrants, then as a center for the elderly of Tzfat and finally as part of the Community Center Association of Tzfat. A synagogue operated within its walls througout these years and congregants called the synagogue the “Metzuda” -- Citadel -- in recognition of the fact that it’s location was at the base of [[Metzuda of Safed|Tzfat’s Citadel mountain]].

=== Renamed ===
The Yehuda family lived across the street from the synagogue and had attended services at the synagogue for many years. When the family’s youngest son, Noam, was killed in the First Lebanon War in 1982, his father requested that the congregants rename the synagogue after his fallen son.

== Dovid Yehuda ==
Dovid Yehuda, Noam’s father, became the synagogue’s coordinator. He often leads the prayers or makes sure that someone else has been appointed to lead them in his place. He also takes care of all administrative details of the synagogue as well as all ritual matters.

== Community Synagogue ==
[[File:00000280-saraya-entrance.jpg|thumb|180px|right|Saraya entrance.]]The synagogue serves the entire community. Congregants come from all backgrounds and traditions, from Hassidic to newly religious to not-yet religious. Dovid Yehuda’s magnetic personality welcomes everyone and many people have continued on to become regular attendees because of his, and his wife Shoshana’s, open and welcoming attitude. The synagogue often hosts bar mitzva and other life-cycle events for people who don’t have a synagogue in which they feel comfortable.

=== Visitors from Overseas ===
The Noam Synagogue hosts travelers who come to services from some of the [[Safed Hotels|Artists Quarter hotels]] and [[Tzfat Tzimmer Guest Houses|B&Bs]]. Dovid and Shoshana are both fluent English-speakers and create a friendly atmosphere. Dovid is very learned in Jewish Law and can give a sermon in both languages, bouncing back from English to Hebrew effortlessly.

=== Community Celebrations ===
In addition to regularly scheduled services, the Noam Synagogue serves as a center for Shavouth nighttime learning. Residents come from throughout the city to participate in the learning that goes on throughout the night of Shavouth. Shavouth sessions include talks by Tzfat’s leading rabbis and rebbetzins. In addition, hundreds of people come to hear the reading of the Book of “Echa” -- Lamantations -- in the Saraya courtyard on the night of Tisha B’Av.

{{Tzfat Synagogues}}

[[Category:Old Synagogues]]
[[Category:Modern Synagogues]]
[[Category:Safed]]

Saraya-Safed

2012-04-19T20:07:05Z

UniqueKruper: /* Shelter */

('''Hebrew''': סעריה / '''Translation''': Saraya Center / '''Other Names''': Saraya Community Center, Saraya Building, Wolfson Community Center, / '''Definition''': Tzfat Community Center.)

The Saraya is a landmark in [[Safed]]. The large two-story building whose clock chimes every hour is an familiar site on the outskirts of the [[Artists Quarter Safed|Artists Quarter]]. It is, for many visitors, the first view of Old Tzfat that they see as they drive into the city.

== History ==
“Saraya” -- "palace” in Turkish was built in the 1700s during the rule of Dahar El Omar, an [[Ottoman-Rule-of-Safed-1760-to-1918|Ottoman ruler]], who commissioned the construction of the building as a government administration building. After the [[British-Rule-of-Safed-1918-to-1948|British]] defeated the Turks during WWI and undertook the administration of the British Mandate on Palestine, they began to use it as their own headquarters.

=== Shelter ===
[[File:00000280-saraya-entrance.jpg|thumb|180px|right|Saraya entrance.]]During the [[Tarpat-1929-Arab-Riots-in-Safed|Arab riots of 1929]], Jews who escaped from the [[Old City Safed|Jewish Quarter]] took refuge in the Saraya but the British did not adequately protect them. Even in the midst of the British army, the Arabs managed to climb onto the Saraya roof and shoot into the crowd of Jews who were huddled in the Saraya courtyard.

=== War of Independence ===
When the [[Safed-War-of-Independence|British evacuated Tzfat]] they turned the Saraya over to the Arab forces which, at that time, included Syrian and Iraqi soldiers. The pre-State underground, Lehi, managed to blow up part of the building, demoralizing the Arabs.

== Post-Independence ==
After the Liberation of Tzfat the Center was used as a home for the elderly. A synagogue was established in the building and the area in front of the Saraya was used as the weekly “shuk” -- open-air marketplace -- of Tzfat. In 1975 the building was renovated as a community center, thanks to the efforts of Sir Isaac and Lady Edith Wolfson. Today the building is alternately referred to as the “Wolfson Center” and “the Saraya.”

== Saraya Today ==
The Saraya is a two-story stone building with an inner courtyard. It is built in an “L” shape with offices and classrooms located throughout the building. There are three small, unattached buildings that exist in the Saraya courtyard.

=== Community Center Administration ===
The administration of the Tzfat Community Center Association is centered at the Saraya.

=== Activities ===
A wide variety of groups use the Saraya for their activities. Children’s after-school activities take place at the center as well as youth group meetings. Exercise classes for girls and women operate almost nightly and various civic groups meet in the building. There is a side-tower where the community center association offers music classes for local schoolchildren.

=== Additional Organizations ===
Several additional independent organizations use the Saraya premises.

==== Noam Synagogoue ====
The [[Noam-Synagogue-Safed|Noam synagogue]] operates morning “minyans” -- prayer quorums -- as well as Sabbath and holiday services, classes and different types of activities to meet the needs of the religious community in Tzfat.

==== Memorial Museum of Hungarian Speaking Jewry ====
The [[Hungarian Speaking Jewry Museum Safed|Memorial Museum of Hungarian Speaking Jewry]] operates in a small building in the Saraya courtyard. It is open during the week and provides information and exhibits that offer a glimpse of the pre-Holocaust and Holocaust-era Hungarian-speaking Jewish world.

==== Dance Studio ====
A dance studio occupies a second free-standing building in the Saraya courtyard. Groups of girls and women meet throughout the day and evening for yoga, stretching exercises, hip hop dance and other forms of movement.

==== Music School ====
The Community Center music school offers classes to Tzfat schoolchildren in a side tower of the Saraya. Children can learn whichever instrument they choose and the older children often perform at municipal and other cultural events in bands and youth symphonies.

{{Safed History}}

[[Category:Safed]]
[[Category:Jewish History]]
[[Category:Israel Landmarks]]

Kikar-HaMeginim-Safed

2012-04-19T20:05:33Z

UniqueKruper: /* War of Independence */

[[File:00000123 tree of life sign kikar magenim.jpg|thumb|180px|right|Tree of Life sign.]]('''Hebrew''': כיכר המגינים / '''Translation''': Defender’s Square / '''Pronunciation''' Ki-kar Ha’Meg-in-im /'''Other Names''': Central Square, The Kikar / '''Definition''': Central plaza of Tzfat’s Old Jewish Quarter)

Kikar HaMeginim, the central plaza of [[Old City Safed|Tzfat’s Old City]], is a popular gathering place for residents and visitors. People sit in the sunny square eating ice cream, enjoying a meal or simply sipping a drink while they watch the slow pace of [[Safed|Tzfat]] life and imbue the atmosphere of the hundreds-year-old homes and buildings which surround the plaza. Few people know that the square itself is a major historical landmark of the city.

== History ==
Ashkanazi Jews began to immigrate to Tzfat in large groups after the [[Safed 1759 Earthquake|1759 earthquake]]. The Ashkanazi community was built further up the hill, north of the existing Sepharadic community, below the main commercial street, [[Jerusalem Street Safed|Jerusalem Street]]. The new neighborhood was built surrounding a public square which the residents called the “Kolin Platz” -- Coal Square. Coal for heating and cooking was sold here.

=== War of Independence ===
[[File:00000281 kikar hamaginim old city tzfat.jpg|thumb|180px|right|Corner of the Kikar.]]During the early part of the Arab siege on Tzfat, the Jewish defenders were headquartered in The Kikar from where they could maintain civilian and military control over the Jewish Quarter. Although the main headquarters later moved to a more defensible position (the home of Ya’akov Mizrachi, father of the first casualty of the Battle for Tzfat), many of the “Haganah” -- defense forces -- communiques and other commands continued to come from a branch of the headquarters which remained in The Kikar throughout the [[Safed-War-of-Independence|Battle for Tzfat]].

After the war the square was renamed “Kikar HaMeginim” -- Defender’s Square.

== Location ==
[[File:00000124 bar yochi street old city tzfat.jpg|thumb|180px|right|Bar Yochi St. leading to the Kikar.]]“The Kikar,” as local residents call it, is set in the center of the four main lanes of upper Tzfat. These include Bar Yochai Street, HaMeginim Street, Tarpat Street and Hatam Sofer Street. These four streets all converge at the Kikar. The Kikar is approximately 50 square meters in circumference.

From the Kikar, stairs descend to the southern part of the Old City. The stairs pass the [[Ari-Ashkenazi-Synagogue|Ari Ashkanazi synagogue]] on the right and end at Alkabetz Street in front of the [[Livnot ULehibanot|Livnot-U'Lehibanot organization]].

== Venues ==
There are three [[Safed Restaurants|restaurants]] in the Kikar, the Tree of Life vegetarian health food restaurant, a falaffel shop and a “schwarma” -- slivered lamb meat -- stand. In addition there is a stand for drinks and ice-cream. Shade is available during the hot summer days but there’s plenty of sunshine for people who wish to sit out and relax in the sunny fresh air. In addition there is a [[Na-Nach|Breslev]] music shop with discs of Breslev bands and Breslev literature.

== Activities ==
Most of the activities in the Kikar take place on an impromptu basis. Local English-speaking teens and students gather in the Kikar in the evenings to socialize and play music. On Friday nights the local “Hesder Yeshivah” -- pre-army yeshivah -- come to the Kikar to dance and sing the Kabbalat Shabbat service. During the [[Klezmer Festival Safed|annual Klezmer festival]] many street musicians set up their own stages and play spontaneously as people meander around the city.

{{Safed History}}

[[Category:Safed]]
[[Category:Jewish History]]
[[Category:Israel Tourism]]
[[Category:Israel Landmarks]]

File:00000281-kikar-hamaginim-old-city-tzfat.jpg

2012-04-19T20:01:34Z

UniqueKruper: Kikar Hamaginim in Old City Tzfat. Category:Safed

Kikar Hamaginim in Old City Tzfat.

[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000280-saraya-entrance.jpg

2012-04-19T20:00:17Z

UniqueKruper: Entrance to the Saraya fortress of Safed. Category:Safed

Entrance to the Saraya fortress of Safed.

[[Category:Safed]]

Beit-Yigal-Alon-Safed

2012-04-18T18:58:44Z

UniqueKruper:

{{Infobox
|title = Yigal Alon Center
|image = [[File:00000275 beit yigal alon safed.jpg|215px|alt=Yigal Alon Center]]
|header1 = Hebrew:
|data2 = בית יגאל אלון
|header5 = Other Names:
|data6 = Yigal Alon Cultural Center, Alon Center
|header7 = Description:
|data8 = Tzfat Cultural Center for performances, ceremonies, educational activities, art exhibits and gatherings.}}

The Beit Yigal Alon Center was built in the late 1980s as a cultural center for residents of [[Safed]] and the surrounding communities. The Center hosts a wide variety of events and activities, both for public access and for private groups.

== Yigal Alon ==
Yigal Alon was a commander of the “Palmach” -- fighting unit of the pre-State underground para-military. His actions during the [[Safed War of Independence|War of Independence]] contributed to the city’s liberation after the Jewish community’s prolonged battle with Arab forces.

Alon was a well-known archaeologist and became involved in Israeli politics in the 1970s but many residents of Tzfat consider his greatest feat to have been the lifting of the Arab siege on Safed and the subsequent Jewish victory. When the Labor Zionist Alliance of Greater New York announced that they would support the building of a cultural center in Tzfat, the city council decided to dedicate it to Alon, who had died in 1980.

== Beit Yigal Alon Location ==
The Yigal Alon Center is located on HaPalmach Street, just south of the [[Saraya Safed|Wolfson Community Center/Saraya]]. It is next to the main post office and the main office of “Bituach Leumi” -- the National Insurance Institute -- and within easy walking distance of the commercial district of Safed.

== Events ==
The Beit Yigal Alon Center hosts a wide variety of events and activities. The Center is the venue for all indoor municipal events including memorial ceremonies, the annual Liberation of Tzfat Commemoration, holiday festivities and lectures.

=== School Activities ===
The Tzfat schools utilize the center for educational activities. Each class attends several educational and cultural performances each year and these take place at the Beit Yigal Alon Center. In addition, schools rent the center for their own school functions, graduation ceremonies, productions and other events to which they can invite parents and other members of the community.

=== Performances ===
The Center hosts music and theatrical performances every year. These include opera companies, symphonies and acting troupes’ productions. The Center sponsors some of these productions while others are brought in by private groups which rent out the Center.

=== Exhibits ===
Throughout the year Beit Yigal Alon often exhibits works of local artists in the lobby. In addition, exhibits of [[Safed History|Tzfat’s history]] are frequently displayed.

== Access ==
It is possible to access Beit Yigal Alon by bus, car or by walking up Aliyah Bet Street from Tzfat’s main commercial street, [[Jerusalem Street Safed|Jerusalem Street]]. Parking is available. There is wheelchair accessibility. The auditorium seats over 300 people.

[[Category:Safed]]
[[Category:Israel Landmarks]]

Moshe-Yair-Microcalligraphy-Safed

2012-04-18T18:56:46Z

UniqueKruper:

{{Infobox
|title = Yair Art Gallery
|image = [[File:00000274 moshe yair art gallery safed.jpg|215px|alt=Yair Art Gallery]]
|header1 = Hebrew:
|data2 = משה יאיר
|header5 = Other Names:
|data6 = Yair Gallery of Microcalligraphy Art, Tzfat Gallery of Microcalligraphy
|header7 = Description:
|data8 = Tzfat artist who practices the art of creating pictures using text in minute calligraphy}}

Tzfat artists have been engaged in creating microcalligraphy art since the legendary Shalom of Tzfat developed the art form during the early years of the State. Moshe Yair, a local artists whose family has lived in Tzfat for centuries, adopted the art form and exhibits his works in his gallery on [[Art Street Safed|Yosef Caro Street]] in the [[Safed Old City|Old Jewish Quarter]] of Tzfat.

== Microcalligraphy ==
Micro calligraphy is an ancient art in which the artist writes Biblical texts in miniature dimunitive lettering. Artists create pictures by hand-writing the text. The text shapes and forms drawings and paintings into a story. The paintings illustrate the text. Artists use books of the Bible and other holy texts to create a vision of the story. Microcalligraphy artists can write an entire Book of the Bible on a sheet of paper, parchment or canvas.

== Moshe Yair Background ===
Moshe Yair comes from a family with deep roots in Tzfat. His family arrived from Spain to escape the Spanish Inquisition and has been living in Tzfat for over 400 years. Moshe’s ancestor, Rabbi Moshe Rachamim Yair, built the Moshe Rachamim synagogue and Moshe still prays in this ancient synagogue. Moshe grew up in Tzfat as part of a family which was deeply involved in Tzfat’s municipal and cultural affairs. His family owned the popular Yair Hotel on Jerusalem Street and supported the pre-State Irgun para-military and the later Likud party which grew out of the Irgun.

== Inspiration ==
Yair received his inspiration for creating works of microcalligraphy from his grandmother. She would write verses of “Tehillim” -- Psalms -- in tiny script and give it to her family and friends to carry around with them as protection against the Evil Eye. Moshe was fascinated by this craft and when the opportunity arose to open a gallery of microcalligraphy, he acted and opened his gallery near the Yosef Caro synagogue.

== Original Art ==
Yair is a self-taught artist. He creates intricate works of microcalligraphy which is embedded in paintings. These paintings illustrate the text. In addition, Moshe creates original paintings of Tzfat and Israel scenes. Moshe does not reproduce his original microcalligraphy or three-dimensional oil paintings as lithograph prints but prefers to sell only the original works.

== Work ==
Moshe’s microcalligraphy works include the Book of Exodus illustrated by a picture of Moses splitting the Red Sea, the Book of Genesis as seen in the Story of Creation and the Book of Numbers interwoven into a picture of the narrative of The Spies that Moses sent into the Land of Israel.

== Exhibition ==
Moshe displays his works in his permanent gallery on Beit Yosef Street in the Old Jewish Quarter.

File:00000275-beit-yigal-alon-safed.jpg

2012-04-18T18:53:14Z

UniqueKruper: Beit Yigal Alon cultural center of Safed. Category:Safed

Beit Yigal Alon cultural center of Safed.

[[Category:Safed]]

Moshe-Yair-Microcalligraphy-Safed

2012-04-18T18:47:29Z

UniqueKruper:

{{Infobox
|title = Yair Art Gallery
|image = [[File:00000274 moshe yair art gallery safed.jpg|215px|alt=Yair Art Gallery]]
|header1 = Hebrew:
|data2 = משה יאיר
|header5 = Yair Gallery of Microcalligraphy Art, Tzfat Gallery of Microcalligraphy
|data6 = Tiberias of the 11th - 13th centuries
|header7 = Description:
|data8 = Tzfat artist who practices the art of creating pictures using text in minute calligraphy}}

Tzfat artists have been engaged in creating microcalligraphy art since the legendary Shalom of Tzfat developed the art form during the early years of the State. Moshe Yair, a local artists whose family has lived in Tzfat for centuries, adopted the art form and exhibits his works in his gallery on [[Art Street Safed|Yosef Caro Street]] in the [[Safed Old City|Old Jewish Quarter]] of Tzfat.

== Microcalligraphy ==
Micro calligraphy is an ancient art in which the artist writes Biblical texts in miniature dimunitive lettering. Artists create pictures by hand-writing the text. The text shapes and forms drawings and paintings into a story. The paintings illustrate the text. Artists use books of the Bible and other holy texts to create a vision of the story. Microcalligraphy artists can write an entire Book of the Bible on a sheet of paper, parchment or canvas.

== Moshe Yair Background ===
Moshe Yair comes from a family with deep roots in Tzfat. His family arrived from Spain to escape the Spanish Inquisition and has been living in Tzfat for over 400 years. Moshe’s ancestor, Rabbi Moshe Rachamim Yair, built the Moshe Rachamim synagogue and Moshe still prays in this ancient synagogue. Moshe grew up in Tzfat as part of a family which was deeply involved in Tzfat’s municipal and cultural affairs. His family owned the popular Yair Hotel on Jerusalem Street and supported the pre-State Irgun para-military and the later Likud party which grew out of the Irgun.

== Inspiration ==
Yair received his inspiration for creating works of microcalligraphy from his grandmother. She would write verses of “Tehillim” -- Psalms -- in tiny script and give it to her family and friends to carry around with them as protection against the Evil Eye. Moshe was fascinated by this craft and when the opportunity arose to open a gallery of microcalligraphy, he acted and opened his gallery near the Yosef Caro synagogue.

== Original Art ==
Yair is a self-taught artist. He creates intricate works of microcalligraphy which is embedded in paintings. These paintings illustrate the text. In addition, Moshe creates original paintings of Tzfat and Israel scenes. Moshe does not reproduce his original microcalligraphy or three-dimensional oil paintings as lithograph prints but prefers to sell only the original works.

== Work ==
Moshe’s microcalligraphy works include the Book of Exodus illustrated by a picture of Moses splitting the Red Sea, the Book of Genesis as seen in the Story of Creation and the Book of Numbers interwoven into a picture of the narrative of The Spies that Moses sent into the Land of Israel.

== Exhibition ==
Moshe displays his works in his permanent gallery on Beit Yosef Street in the Old Jewish Quarter.

File:00000274-moshe-yair-art-gallery-safed.jpg

2012-04-18T18:44:14Z

UniqueKruper: Moshe Yair Gallery in the Art Street of Tzfat. Moshe Yair creates Microcalligraphy. Category:Safed

Moshe Yair Gallery in the Art Street of Tzfat. Moshe Yair creates Microcalligraphy.

[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000273-palatine-event-hall-tzfat.jpg

2012-04-18T18:36:10Z

UniqueKruper: Palatine event hall on Jerusalem Street of Safed, Israel. Category:Safed

Palatine event hall on Jerusalem Street of Safed, Israel.

[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000272-palatine-hall-jerusalem-street-safed.jpg

2012-04-18T18:35:07Z

UniqueKruper: Palatine Hall is on of the few venues in Safed where people can have events. It is located on Jerusalem Street near the Egged station. Category:Safed

Palatine Hall is on of the few venues in [[Safed]] where people can have events. It is located on Jerusalem Street near the Egged station.

[[Category:Safed]]

Noam-Synagogue-Safed

2012-04-16T20:48:49Z

UniqueKruper:

{{Infobox
|title = Beit Knesset Noam
|image = [[File:00000265 beit knesset noam safed sign.jpg|215px|alt=Abuhav Synagogue]]
|header1 = Hebrew:
|data2 = בית הכנסת נועם
|header3 = Pronunciation:
|data4 = No-am
|header5 = Other Names
|data6 = Wolfson Synagogue, Saraya Synagogue
|header7 = Description:
|data8 = Community synagogue in Safed, Israel.}}

Dovid Yehuda coordinates the Noam Synagogue which meets for morning prayers each day as well as Sabbath and holiday services. It is located in the [[Saraya Safed|Saraya fortress]] of [[Safed]].

== History ==
Following the [[Safed War of Independence|War of Independence]], the [[Saraya Safed|Saraya building]], which had served as the administrative headquarters of both the [[Ottoman Rule of Safed 1760 to 1918|Ottoman Turks]] and the [[British Rule of Safed 1918 to 1948|British governors]], became a community center. It served, first, as a center for new immigrants, then as a center for the elderly of Tzfat and finally as part of the Community Center Association of Tzfat. A synagogue operated within its walls througout these years and congregants called the synagogue the “Metzuda” -- Citadel -- in recognition of the fact that it’s location was at the base of [[Metzuda of Safed|Tzfat’s Citadel mountain]].

=== Renamed ===
The Yehuda family lived across the street from the synagogue and had attended services at the synagogue for many years. When the family’s youngest son, Noam, was killed in the First Lebanon War in 1982, his father requested that the congregants rename the synagogue after his fallen son.

== Dovid Yehuda ==
Dovid Yehuda, Noam’s father, became the synagogue’s coordinator. He often leads the prayers or makes sure that someone else has been appointed to lead them in his place. He also takes care of all administrative details of the synagogue as well as all ritual matters.

== Community Synagogue ==
The synagogue serves the entire community. Congregants come from all backgrounds and traditions, from Hassidic to newly religious to not-yet religious. Dovid Yehuda’s magnetic personality welcomes everyone and many people have continued on to become regular attendees because of his, and his wife Shoshana’s, open and welcoming attitude. The synagogue often hosts bar mitzva and other life-cycle events for people who don’t have a synagogue in which they feel comfortable.

=== Visitors from Overseas ===
The Noam Synagogue hosts travelers who come to services from some of the [[Safed Hotels|Artists Quarter hotels]] and [[Tzfat Tzimmer Guest Houses|B&Bs]]. Dovid and Shoshana are both fluent English-speakers and create a friendly atmosphere. Dovid is very learned in Jewish Law and can give a sermon in both languages, bouncing back from English to Hebrew effortlessly.

=== Community Celebrations ===
In addition to regularly scheduled services, the Noam Synagogue serves as a center for Shavouth nighttime learning. Residents come from throughout the city to participate in the learning that goes on throughout the night of Shavouth. Shavouth sessions include talks by Tzfat’s leading rabbis and rebbetzins. In addition, hundreds of people come to hear the reading of the Book of “Echa” -- Lamantations -- in the Saraya courtyard on the night of Tisha B’Av.

{{Tzfat Synagogues}}

[[Category:Old Synagogues]]
[[Category:Modern Synagogues]]
[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000265-beit-knesset-noam-safed-sign.jpg

2012-04-16T20:46:14Z

UniqueKruper: Sign at the entrance to Beit Knesset Noam located in the Saraya of Safed. Category:Safed

Sign at the entrance to [[Noam Synagogue Safed|Beit Knesset Noam]] located in the [[Saraya-Safed|Saraya]] of [[Safed]].

[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000210-safed-mayor-walking-to-municipal-building.jpg

2012-04-02T20:03:28Z

UniqueKruper: Ilan Shochet mayor of Safed at the time this photo was taken, walking to his office in the municipal building. Category:Safed

Ilan Shochet mayor of [[Safed]] at the time this photo was taken, walking to his office in the municipal building.

[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000209-safed-municipal-building.jpg

2012-04-02T19:55:14Z

UniqueKruper: The Safed municipal building is located on Jerusalem Street and houses a number of Government offices. Category:Safed

The [[Safed]] municipal building is located on [[Jerusalem-Street-Safed|Jerusalem Street]] and houses a number of Government offices.

[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000208-jerusalem-street-safed.jpg

2012-04-02T19:49:10Z

UniqueKruper: Jerusalem Street is one of the main streets in Safed and it contains many stores and restaurants. Category:Safed

[[Jerusalem-Street-Safed|Jerusalem Street]] is one of the main streets in [[Safed]] and it contains many stores and [[Safed-Restaurants|restaurants]].

[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000207-mayor-ilan-shochet-climbing-great-stairs-of-safed.jpg

2012-04-02T19:42:02Z

UniqueKruper: Ilan Shochet mayor of Safed at the time this photo was taken, climbing up the Great Tzfat Staircase. Category:Safed

Ilan Shochet mayor of [[Safed]] at the time this photo was taken, climbing up the [[Maalot-HaGardom-Great-Stairs-Safed|Great Tzfat Staircase]].

[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000206-midrechov-tzfat.jpg

2012-04-02T19:31:44Z

UniqueKruper: Part of Jersusalem Street in Safed called the Midrechov with many stores. Category:Safed

Part of [[Jerusalem-Street-Safed|Jersusalem Street]] in [[Safed]] called the Midrechov with many stores.

[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000205-beit-knesset-shem-and-ever-tzfat.jpg

2012-04-02T19:24:50Z

UniqueKruper: Beit Knesset near the Cave of Shem Vever. It used to be a Muslim mosque. Category:Kivray Tzadikim Category:Safed

Beit Knesset near the Cave of Shem Vever. It used to be a Muslim mosque.

[[Category:Kivray Tzadikim]]
[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000204-cave-of-shem-and-ever-tzfat.jpg

2012-04-02T19:20:08Z

UniqueKruper: Cave of Shem and Ever where Yackov officialy studied for 14 years. This is also the Kever of Rabbi Dosa ben Hurkanes. It is located on the Metzuda of Safed. Category:Kivray Tzadikim Category:Safed

Cave of Shem and Ever where Yackov officialy studied for 14 years. This is also the Kever of Rabbi Dosa ben Hurkanes. It is located on the [[Metzuda of Safed]].

[[Category:Kivray Tzadikim]]
[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000203-stairs-leading-to-nanach-girl-school-tzfat.jpg

2012-04-02T19:13:51Z

UniqueKruper: Stairs leading to the Na Nach girl school of Tzfat. Category:Nanach Category:Safed

Stairs leading to the [[Na Nach]] girl school of [[Safed|Tzfat]].

[[Category:Nanach]]
[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000202-door-cave-of-shem-and-ever.jpg

2012-04-02T19:09:21Z

UniqueKruper: Door leading to the Cave of Shem and Ever in Safed. Category:Kivray Tzadikim Category:Safed

Door leading to the Cave of Shem and Ever in [[Safed]].

[[Category:Kivray Tzadikim]]
[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000201-entrance-cave-of-vshem-and-ever.jpg

2012-04-02T19:04:07Z

UniqueKruper: Entrance to the Cave of Shem and Ever in Safed. Category:Kivray Tzadikim Category:Safed

Entrance to the Cave of Shem and Ever in [[Safed]].

[[Category:Kivray Tzadikim]]
[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000174-tzion-nachum-ish-gamzu.jpg

2012-04-02T18:57:26Z

UniqueKruper:

Tzion Nachum Ish Gamzu.

[[Category:Kivray Tzadikim]]
[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000173-tomb-nachum-ish-gamzu.jpg

2012-04-02T18:56:42Z

UniqueKruper:

Tomb of Nachum Ish Gamzu.

[[Category:Kivray Tzadikim]]
[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000172-kever-nachum-ish-gamzu.jpg

2012-04-02T18:54:45Z

UniqueKruper:

Kever of Nachum Ish Gamzu.

[[Category:Kivray Tzadikim]]
[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000200-sign-shem-and-ever.jpg

2012-04-02T18:53:42Z

UniqueKruper: Sign above the entrance of the Cave of Shem and Ever in Safed. Sign say that it is also the Kever of Rebbe Nechemia and Rebbe Dosa ben Hurkanes. The Arizal verified that only ebbe Dosa ben Hurkanes is buried in the cave. Category:Kivray Tzadikim

Sign above the entrance of the Cave of Shem and Ever in [[Safed]]. Sign say that it is also the Kever of Rebbe Nechemia and Rebbe Dosa ben Hurkanes. The Arizal verified that only ebbe Dosa ben Hurkanes is buried in the cave.

[[Category:Kivray Tzadikim]]
[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000199-art-cafe-jerusalem-street-safed.jpg

2012-04-01T20:09:59Z

UniqueKruper: Art Cafe is a dairy restaurant located on Jerusalem Street in Tzfat. Category:Safed

Art Cafe is a dairy restaurant located on Jerusalem Street in Tzfat.

[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000198-pizza-da-leone-jerusalem-street-safed.jpg

2012-04-01T20:04:49Z

UniqueKruper: Pizza Da Leone is one of the few pizza stores located on Jerusalem Street in Tzfat. Category:Safed

Pizza Da Leone is one of the few pizza stores located on Jerusalem Street in Tzfat.

[[Category:Safed]]

File:00000197-british-watch-tower-jerusalem-street-safed.jpg

2012-04-01T19:57:50Z

UniqueKruper: A watchtower built by the British to prevent Arabs from invading the Jewish Quarter. Category:Safed

A watchtower built by the British to prevent Arabs from invading the Jewish Quarter.

[[Category:Safed]]

Davidka-of-Safed

2012-04-01T19:52:20Z

UniqueKruper:

{{Infobox
|title = Davidka of Safed
|image = [[File:00000196 kikar davidka jerusalem street safed.jpg|215px|alt=Davidka of Safed]]
|header1 = Hebrew:
|data2 = לדודקה
|header3 = Pronunciation:
|data4 = Dav-eed’ka
|header5 = Translation
|data6 = Little David
|header7 = Description:
|data8 = Artillery equipment used in the defense of Safed during the 1948 Battle of Tzfat.}}

The story of the Davidka encapsulates the story of [[Safed|Tzfat's]] struggles during the [[Safed War of Independence|War of Independence]].

== Historical Overview ==
In 1948 the [[British Rule of Safed 1918 to 1948|British]], who had been ruling Palestine under the British Mandate, departed after the United Nations voted to grant independence to the Jewish State under a partition plan. One of the Jewish areas that was under [[Safed War of Independence|relentless attack]] was the [[Old City Safed|Jewish Quarter of Tzfat]]. Both Arab and Jewish commanders had declared that the city was their “Capitol of the Galilee” and both sides placed whatever resources that they could to capture the city. The Arabs and Jews had been fighting for control of the city for several months even before the British April 1948 departure.

As hundreds of Arab soldiers from Iraq and Lebanon arrived to bolster the Arab forces, the “Haganah” -- Jewish Defense Forces -- began looking for alternate ways to gain the upper hand. The arrival of the Davidka provided such an opportunity.

== Davidka ==
The “Davidka” -- Little David -- was built at the Mikveh Israel agricultural school near Tel Aviv by David Leibovitch. The name, “Davidka” honored the weapon’s designer but also brought to mind the Biblical battle between Little David and Goliath. The artillery piece was designed to create fear as its whistles and shrieks produced a frightening noise as it flew through the air and made a huge noise upon impact. The Davidka was an important psychological weapon though the inaccuracy of the projectile made it fairly useless for combat purposes.

== Davidka in Tzfat ==
Leibovitch built six Davidkas and they were distributed to the three Haganah battalions -- Yiftach in the north, Harel in Jerusalem and HaNegev in the South. The commander of the Yiftach battalion, Yigal Alon (later a noted archaeologist and member of Kenesset) decided to deploy one of the Davidkas in Tzfat. The Haganah began to fire the Davidka into the Arab Quarter in early May 1948.

=== Damage ===
The Davidka’s actual projectile did little damage but the psychological effect was profound. The weapon’s tremendous noise caused the Arab population and fighters to panic.

=== Rumor ===
The explosions, along with rumors, convinced the Arab population of Tzfat that the Davidka was, in fact, the atom bomb. Some people say that the Haganah commander spread the rumor among Arab spies who were working for the Haganah while others claim that the rumor originated among Jewish residents who passed the information on to Arabs with whom they were acquainted. At any rate the Arabs of Tzfat believed that the Davidka’s earth-shattering blasts were the blasts of a small atom bomb (the early May rains that occurred during this period further encourage these rumors since the belief was that it would rain after an atom blast). Overnight, the entire Arab population fled from Tzfat.

=== Miracle ===
Many people took the story of the Davidka as a open miracle from G-D, since it defies nature how such a little piece of artillery could bring about such a victory.

== Liberation of Tzfat ==
Once the Arab population fled, the Arab soldiers guarding the three strongholds -- the Police Station, the Shalva Building at the entrance to the city and the [[Metzuda of Safed|Citadel]] lost their will to fight. The Haganah fighters were able to capture Beit Shalva and the Citadel on May 10th and almost immediately the Iraqi soldiers who had been guarding the Police Station slipped out under the cover of night.

{{Safed History}}

[[Category:Safed]]
[[Category:Jewish History]]

File:00000196-kikar-davidka-jerusalem-street-safed.jpg

2012-04-01T19:49:17Z

UniqueKruper: Kikar Davidka near the municipality building on Jerusalem Street, Safed. Category:Safed

Kikar Davidka near the municipality building on Jerusalem Street, Safed.

[[Category:Safed]]

User:UniqueKruper

2012-04-01T11:47:34Z

UniqueKruper: Created page with "Unique Kruper lives in Tzfat and is a photographer."

Unique Kruper lives in Tzfat and is a photographer.