Israel: The Mysticism in Judaism

Tzfat rests 3000 feet above sea level in the abundant, green region of the Galilee in northern Israel. It's the highest city in the country --- and one of the four most holy places in Judaism.

Narrow alleyways of smooth ivory-colored stones and ancient walls forge a gateway for introspective strolling. Uneven paths open into quaint courtyards. The soft pitter patter of feet shuffle to synagogue. Wind chimes play a sweet and hypnotizing cacophony. It's easy to understand how Tzvat became the home of Jewish mysticism and why it is known as the city of wind.

               

It's become a hub for young Jews looking to explore their religious identity in a new way. Jewish Mysticism, or Kabbalah, resonates with many who seek less of a regimented religion and more of a spirituality left open to interpretation. The parallels between this practice of Judaism and eastern philosophies like Buddhism and Daoism are astounding. Meditation is the first step towards self-awareness and the transcendence to something greater than one's ego.

A painting inspired by the Kabbalisitic meditations for each day of the week
(Tzvat artist Avraham Loewenthal, kabbalahart.com)

Tzfat, imbued with thousands of years of Jewish history and seemingly a world away from the political tension and tourism that defines Jerusalem, is an ideal place to begin looking inward. It's also attracted backpackers and artists inspired by the tranquility and majestic views of the surrounding Amud Valley, Mount Meron and Galilean Hills. Each summer the city transforms for the world-famous Safed Klezmer Festival where musicians from around the globe come to celebrate the unique genre born from the marriage between American jazz and European Jewish folk.

Orthodox jews gather in Tzvat's town center

There are programs through Kabbalah centers in the city that offer long-term retreats for minimal prices or even free in exchange for a curiosity and willingness to learn about Jewish mysticism. One of the most popular organizations, Ascent, plans jam sessions, hikes, classes and Shabbat dinners for temporary transplants. There's even a trendy cafe that's been established as a gathering place for young Jews looking for the balance of solitude and community that's embedded in the Jewish tradition.

A barista at Holy Village Coffee Company meticulously brews a cup of coffee

Holy Village Coffee Company serves up Zeh coffee roasted right outside Tzvat and popular in artisanal cafes around Israel. They take their time with pour overs rivaling the techniques of fine baristas in major cities internationally. While I drank my coffee, I enjoyed ambient indie tracks mixed with the sort of Jewish chanting and scales I'd grown up with in synagogue.





Turns out I was listening to the Kabbalah Dream Orchestra; an ancient Jewish jazz funk fusion band that splits its time between Tzvat and Philadelphia.




Tzfat makes Judaism cool. For the plethora of American and European Jews who were raised in non-religious homes and look to eastern religion for comfort in times of existential confusion, Kabbalah can be a revelation. They need not look outside their own blood and ancestry for the answers. The same ideas of oneness have existed in their own tradition for millenia. Instead of seeking clarity in ashrams in India, young Jews can and should look to Tzvat; a wealth of knowledge, tranquility and exploration awaiting to be discovered again and again.