Read the Villa Tiferet blog and find out what's happening in Tzfat.

Tisha B'Av

7/29/2020

Special Event for Women Only

Reva Seidel is hosting a Tisha B'Av retreat

Date: Thursday, July 30. 1:15 p.m. at
Location: "THE WAY INN" IN THE ARTIST QUARTER.

TRANSFORMING DARKNESS, GRIEF AND TEARS, INTO LONGING, YEARNING, REUNIFICATION, HOPE, AND LOVE.

We will learn, feel, experience the teachings in our body, heart, mind, and soul.
Retreat will include: Art Therapy - Personal Churban
Chanting/Journaling - Healing between daughters and Fathers
Bodywork- Releasing Grief and Anger through Acupressure points and Breathwork
The Maps of Deep Fear - Live Psychodrama
And of course.......Deep Text Learning

Women are welcome to come to part of the retreat and not the whole retreat- BUT people will be sharing intimately and vulnerably, and we ask that people enter and leave the space quietly and respectfully
Yes, some people will be wearing masks, and I believe others will not be for various reasons. I will try to have extra masks there (would be so grateful if somebody else would cover that!) so that those that are vulnerable will be able to attend.
REMINDER: Please bring paper/notebook, pen/pencil, markers/crayons, IF YOU HAVE PAINTS/ PAINTBRUSHES, please bring, candle, shawl/socks if you get cold in A/C, tissues, and 150 Shekels for cost of retreat, unless you need a discount/scholarship.

Five Reasons to Spend Your Staycation at Villa Tiferet

4/29/2020

Have you all been cooped up for too long and feel like a change?
Travelers the world over are talking about staycations. Since they may not be able fly overseas in the near future (because of COVID-19 restrictions), they are planning trips closer to home.

Not only does a staycation save you lots of money, it saves you hours spent over planning a trip overseas, the hassle of rushing to the airport, the stress of check-in lines and airport security, endless hours flying with kids, getting new currency and the grumpy effects of jet lag.

So bring your family to Villa Tiferet for a relaxing staycation. Pack up the car, drive into the mountains of the northern Galilee and breathe in the fresh air of Tzfat. Here’s five reasons why you’ll enjoy your staycation in this spectacular holiday villa.

1. Get the space all to yourself
No need to worry about others being in your space. This is not a hotel. Villa Tiferet is huge and it’s 100% yours. As you’ll have the entire place to yourselves, it is ideal for large families to relax and unwind. The main house is spacious - it has a huge kosher kitchen, a large dining room that can seat 14, a living room plus library. Outdoors, there’s two courtyards and a large rooftop. No need to leave this sanctuary!

2. Enjoy family bonding
Villa Tiferet is so easy for families. For families with babies and small children, we have a portacrib, a high chair and a baby bath. There are board games and children’s books plus Apple TV with hundreds of movies. With its soaring ceilings, cozy reading nooks and the spacious courtyards, the villa is, in itself, a destination kids just love.

3. Have a serene Shabbat
A Shabbat in Tzfat is magical. In times of Coronavirus, even if you decide to stay put and not venture out to shul, the villa is a gem. Daven on the rooftop as the sun sets behind the mountains, then enjoy a Shabbos meal in the majestic dining room. We offer table cloths, Shabbat candles, kiddush cup, challah board and cover, siddurim and bentchers. On Shabbat day, relax in the sunny courtyard or lie on the rooftop with a book, play games with your children and simply relax. To bring out your tranquil Shabbat, there is a Havdalah set.

4. Feels like home away from home
No need to pack anything other than clothes and a toothbrush. We have it all. From a fully-stocked kitchen to towels and toiletries, this is just like home. Or, maybe more. A state-of the-art kosher kitchen features two prepping areas (meat and dairy), two ovens (meat and dairy), two sinks (meat and dairy), two dishwashers (meat and dairy) plus two sets of dishes and utensils. There are games for kids, books and siddurim for you to use.

5. Explore Tzfat
No need to hire a guide - just walk out the front gate and explore. Villa Tiferet is in the heart of the Artists’ Quarter, minutes from the shops of Rehov Yerushalayim. You can easily walk to the galleries and old shuls in Zefat. So bring a camera, a pair of walking shoes and a sense of adventure. The best way to see Tzfat is to meander, stop to appreciate the breathtaking views and venture down the hidden alleyways.

Ladino Revival in Tsfat - July 16 to 18, 2019

7/4/2019

Haberes buenos! Good news!

This summer, Tsfat is excited to host the first International Ladino Festival. Ladino was once the primary language of Tsfat. After the Edict of Expulsion in 1492 forced all Jews to leave Spain, many Jewish refugees arrived in Tsfat. They brought with them a rich culture, beautiful language and poems as well as rich traditions.

The Ladino language is also known as Judeo Spanish or Judezmo and is based on 15th-century medieval Spanish. As the exiled Sefardi Jews wandered from Spain, the language eventually became intertwined with Portuguese, French, Italian, Arabic, Greek, Turkish and Hebrew words. It was first written in Rashi script, then with Hebrew letters until it became transferred into Latin script.

Once spoken by all Sefardi Jews, Ladino was heard in Tsfat’s cobbled alleys. Liturgical poems were sung in the town’s synagogues, the sweet smells cinnamon and cardamom wafted from the windows and musicians played Kantigas and Romansas, sentimental love songs in the streets.

From July 16-18, Tsfat is proudly returning to her rich Ladino roots with Ladino-type activities all day long. Enjoy guided tours of the Old City, special activities in the old Sefardi synagogues, lectures and cooking demonstrations.

At night, the enchanting sounds of Ladino music will once again be heard in this ancient city, where you can hear songs that have, for 500 years, been lovingly passed down from generation to generation.

International Ladino stars including Guy Zoaratz, Yasmin Levi, Galit Giat, Hani Nachmias, Kobi Zarko, and other artists will grace the stage in the Old City.

Here are some Ladino words to introduce you to this ancient, wonderful culture.
Hello/Hi
Shalom (Shah-lom)
What's new?
Ke haber? (KEH HA-bear)
How are you?
Komo estash? (KOH-mo ehs-TASH?)
Have fun
Engleneate!

The Hillula of Miriam

4/16/2019

On the 10th of Nissan, over a hundred women and young girls meet up on the shores of the Kinnereth in Tiberias. They gather here from all over Israel. This April, they came from Jerusalem, Hebron, Modi’in, Beit Shemesh, Pardes Chana, Beit El, Tzfat and the Golan.

They arrived with tambourines, drums, shofars, flutes and violins, holding silky scarves in pink, aqua blue, yellow and white. Excitedly, they waited to board the King David, exuding a spirit of joy and warmth.

The 10th of Nissan is the yahrzeit or the hillula of our biblical Miriam, the sister of Moshe and a true prophetess. She is called Miriam haNeviah for she prophesied that her mother Yocheved would give birth to the redeemer of the Jewish People. As a little girl, she stood by the Nile and watched over her baby brother Moshe until the daughter of Pharaoh found him in a basket.

As a midwife (the biblical Puah), she was able to save thousands of Jewish baby boys from death. Miriam was also the first leader of Jewish women, strengthening them as they left behind slavery in Egypt.

When the Jewish people reached the Sea of Reeds with the Egyptian army in hot pursuit, it was Miriam who inspired the women to cross --and when they reached the other side in safety, it was Miriam who sang and danced a song of thanks to G-d.

She wandered with them in the desert, nurturing the people with much needed water from the well that accompanied the people on their long, difficult journey. She never gave up hope for the redemption of her people and died at the age of 126, exactly one year before the Jewish people finally entered the Promised Land.

And when the people crossed the Jordan River into Israel, we are told that Miriam’s Well poured into the Kinnereth so that Israel would always be blessed by water. There is a teaching that locates this well in the water between Kever Rachel (the wife of Rabbi Aviva) and Kever Meir Baal HaNess. Her special well, we are told, was created on the second day of the creation of the world. It was the same well Abraham received as a gift for his kindness looking after the three angels who asked him for water.

And on the 10th of Nissan this year, the women came from afar to honor the spirit of Miriam danced above the ‘well’ that lies beneath the waters of the Kinnereth.

They celebrated with live music and dance. They sang Tehillim and swayed their bodies in unison, spelling out the Hebrew letters of Miriam’s name. They spoke of gratitude for the abundance of rain we received in Israel this past winter. They lifted scarves that fluttered in the wind and blew shofarot that echoed across the waves.

And as the sun set behind the mountains, dappling the sky with pink and orange, they danced and sang with more intensity, fervor and unity. Just as Miriam the Prophetess never gave up hope for the Jewish people, these women, who came from all over the country, showed a firm belief in a final redemption and unity for the Jewish nation today.

Tiberias is a scenic 45-minute drive from Villa Tiferet. Tickets for this annual festive cruise are 70 NIS.

Kfar Tikva

3/13/2019

Kfar Tikva is a village nestled in the hills of the Galilee with sweeping views of the valley. Quiet, serene. Walking the pathways that weave past gardens and lawns, you come across people who you greet with an authentic wide smile and sparkling eyes. Want to visit? Here you can experience a piece of Gan Eden.

Depending on their needs, residents either live in the village or off-site in neighboring Kiryat Tivon. Until 2:30 pm each day, they go to work either in the village or close by. There is a candle-making factory on site where residents pack candles and prepare them for export as well work in the Tulip Winery. Some work in the organic gardens, some help with landscaping and others looking after the animals at the Animal Farm. Be it laundry, helping in the dining room or at the village’s dog kennel, there is a meaningful job for everyone.

We were recently invited for a tour of this very special place that houses 220 adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities. It was first opened in 1964. Named Kfar Tikva, Villa of Hope, this kibbutz-like community lives up to its name by helping residents develop and reach their potential.

Everyone stops for a healthy lunch then spends the afternoon enjoying leisure activities. We visited the art room where we saw incredible weavings, ceramics, dream catchers and beaded jewelry. When we visited the paper mache room with its bright collection of large giraffes, we all wanted to stay and create! Here is a peek at some of their crafts that are for sale

There are sports teams, bicycle clubs, a computer room, music and dance classes plus cultural events. There is also a Television and Media Club where residents learn to film, edit and write news about the community.

Linked here is a sample show describing the latest clean-up day and Tu B’Shvat planting activity in Kfar Tikva.

As residents age, the level of care increases. We visited a newly-built residence for the elderly that has large, comfortable rooms and full care.

We then went for a special wine tasting at Tulip Winery on site. Founded in 2003 by the Itzhaki family, their dream was to combine a business with social responsibility. This winery is the first of its kind in Israel. Tulip is now the largest boutique winery in Israel and has received international acclaim. We were presented with four of their wines for sampling accompanied by cheese platters.

We loved meeting and talking to the residents and were delighted to be with sincerely happy people who radiated pure contentment with their lives.

Kfar Tikva lives up to its name: here is a place that embraces all and inspires hope in those who visit. Our hope is that you visit the Village of Hope.

It is just an hour’s drive from Villa Tiferet and makes for a meaningful day trip in a beautiful part of the country. To arrange a visit, please call 04-9539721 or 04-9838666.

Glass Blowing at Sheva Chaya's

2/23/2019

Tsfat, perched on a mountain with startlingly beautiful views and crisp fresh air, is a place of inspiration. For centuries, it influenced Kabbalists who prayed and meditated in the valleys and who learned and taught in the shuls of the Old City. Yet Tsfat has always infused the creative spirit of artists.

Tsfat is a place of art. Painters, potters, weavers, sculptors and photographers sit in studios along alleyways in the Old City. Footsteps echo atop cobblestones that fringe enigmatic sapphire walls. Hand-painted gates open onto hushed courtyards and homes with soaring domes.

One of the most mystical forms of art in Tsfat is glassblowing. Sheva Chaya, the resident glassblower, has a beautiful gallery accessed through her sweet courtyard. When she demonstrates her art, she is happy to share her spiritual connection to this medium, explaining that when the breath blows, it is transforming a hard substance into a soft, glowing piece.

In a Kabblistic way, it represents something broken mixing with fire and becoming whole again.

When Sheva Chaya recently hosted master glassmaker Gianni Toso into her studio in Tsfat, we were able to have such an experience. For us visitors, it felt expansive and spiritual to watch an inspired artist transform and create.

Maestro Tosowww.giannitoso.com/ captivated us with his mastery in an unforgettable demonstration. Coming from a lineage of Venetian glassblowers that goes back 700 years, his art is displayed in museums and private collections around the world. He takes glass art to a new level, creating large, surrealistic glass forms as well as detailed scenes of Jewish life.

Like children in an ice cream shop, we sat in anticipation, waiting to see which rich flavors would be presented. We watched Gianni ignite the lampworking torch, choose sticks of hard glass, then focus on his creation. The room was silent save for the hiss of the flame and the clinking of glass.

Gianni twirled, twisted and mixed the glass with other colors. Mesmerized, we sat quietly as he used tweezers to pinch and squeeze the glowing glass. When he finally presented a miniature piece of glass art, we were in awe; he had created a miniature chassid complete with a beard and curled payot, scholarly glasses -- even astute eyebrows. His next creation of the evening was a ‘yad’ for reading the Torah. His creation wore a long patterned blue sleeve with a cuff extending to a hand and a pointer finger. We could make out a vein running to the palm, tendons, tiny bones and even finger nails on each curled finger. His attention to detail was incredible.

It was an honor to be able to watch a master at work in his moment of creation. We witnessed how a basic dimension is fused into a higher one. Or, as Sheva Chaya so beautifully explains, we experienced art meeting faith.

The art of glassblowing represents a fusion of Kabbalah and art in an ancient city that, to this day, emulates its original inspiration. For people who love history, art and mysticism, Tsfat will blow you away (no pun intended) And when you visit, head to Sheva Chaya’s studio. Her gallery is a five-minute walk from Villa Tiferet.

Klezmer Festival 2018

8/7/2018

Tzfat’ s exciting Klezmer Festival starts on August 14th
Acclaimed musicians will be playing five concerts on five stages across town from August 14 through 16. There are food vendors, shopping and craft stalls – even a Carlebach kumsit. During the days, families enjoy free walking tours, music workshops, art workshops and a Hassidic story festival. See the schedule below.

Moshav Band

6/26/2018

Nicole and I have been big fans of the Moshav band going back to the late '90s. We couldn't pass up the opportunity of seeing them play last night in Jerusalem with the Solomon Brothers. In fact most members of both bands come from the same Solomon family that includes seven boys who are all incredibly talented. There is a deep connection between the band and Tsfat. The boys grew up on Moshav Mevo Modiin founded by Shlomo Carlebach. There seems to be this mystical revolving door between Tsfat and the Moshav with many residents having lived in both places. Below is a compilation from the concert. The sweetest part of the concert was near the end when Yehuda asked two of his young nephews to join on stage.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Tsfat

6/18/2018

Are you looking for something different to do for your Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah celebration in Israel? Look no further than Safed. Meir Glaser from Path Of The Heart will take care of all of the details and create for you an meaningful event that you will remember forever.

Mount Gilboa International Hot Air Balloon Festival

6/12/2018

This may not be Emerald City, but there’s magic in the Gilboa Mountains. Imagine watching colorful hot air balloons take off at sunrise and float across blue skies above the Jezreel Valleys’ verdant green fields. Looking up, Mount Gilboa soars, creating a spectacular backdrop.

Tens of thousands will gather for the annual International Hot Air Balloon Festival from August 2nd to 3rd, 2018. The festival will be held in Ma’ayan Harod Park which is located in the lower Galilee. The park is a beautiful one-hour drive from Villa Tiferet in Tsfat.

Balloonists will come from all over the world with their exciting playful, colorful balloons that delight adults and children alike. In previous years, the festival has attracted participants from the US, Belgium, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.

Try to be a part of this unique and exciting aviation show. Performances include a balloon flyover, skydiving, paragliding and hair-raising high altitude acrobatics.

At night, enjoy fireworks, a balloon night glow show, concerts and food stands. Many attendees enjoy camping at the park so they can be there for the whole event.

We may be far from Emerald City, but who knows…maybe this year the Wizard of Oz will fly by! For more information, contact the Gilboa Regional Council website.

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