Overview

This route extends from Tzfat (Sefad), via Biriya, to Rosh Pina. We’ll begin by entering the atmosphere of spirituality, mysticism, and Kabbalah that pervades Tzfat and is expressed in the works of its local artists. Tales of miracles, including a few that occurred during the last war, have long been embedded in Tzfat tradition. We’ll move on to the nearby Biriya Fortress to hear a tale of valor. Then, as we gaze at the landscape of Mt. Meron and the Galilee, we’ll sample some excellent wine. Heading toward Rosh Pina, we’ll view the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), Golan Heights, and Hula Valley to the east. We’ll hear stories about the late 19^th century founders of this Upper Galilee town and the continued determination of its residents to build their lives there. We’ll also meet some of Rosh Pina’s talented artists.

Detailed route

The route we follow from the Meron Junction will carry us past the burial sites of righteous Jews and a landscape dotted with wineries and residential communities. Surrounded by the pastoral landscape of the Galilee, we wind our way toward the ancient city of Tzfat.

City of Scholars and Mystics

We’ll tour the alleyways of Tzfat, which still evoke the presence of scholars and mystics who fled there after their expulsion from Spain. Tzfat was not only the spiritual heart of the Jewish world; it was also a thriving center of trade and art. Disasters, however, both natural and man-made, have plagued the city throughout its history. During our visit, we’ll meet Reli Wasser (#25), an artist and painter and Moshe Porat (#88), a jewelry designer who also produces two varieties of organic kosher wine.

Once a Fortress, Now a Quality Wine Producer

Biriya will be our next stop, where we’ll sample some of Moshe Porat’s (#88) wines. Alternatively, we can take a short hike in the Biriya Forest, which offers a clear view of the Lebanese border and the reforestation of acres of land destroyed by fire.

If Rothschild Only Knew…

We now turn eastward and soak in the landscape as we head toward our third stop: Rosh Pina. We’ll hear the story of its steadfast residents, who were determined to turn their swamp-filled, malaria-ridden land into a modern agricultural community. Rosh Pina was the first Jewish settlement in Palestine to come under the patronage of Baron Edmond James de Rothschild. After a walk through its cobbled streets, we’ll visit:

Shiri Havkin (#28), Aromatic and natural cosmetics and remedies

Ronit Eilat (#27), Patchwork quilts

Sari Spooner (#135), Paper and glass lampshades

Ofer Rubin (#29), Wind chimes

Chanoch Ben Dov (#97), Judaica made from Galilee stone, glass, and iron

…He Would Surely Patronize Today’s Small Businesses in Rosh Pina

We’ll continue to the new city of Rosh Pina for a visit to Peter Isacowitz’s Woodsong Gallery (#93) and its array of musical instruments, many of them constructed from recycled timber and wood from the area. We’ll then eat kosher dairy lunch at "The Well Delicatessen" (#136) owned by Inbar and Sigal Shofet. Our last stop will be at  Adi Shvartz (#95), where we'll be boarding tractors to tour the olive fields and learn about the local manufacturing of olive oil. And, of course, we’ll get a chance to purchase some fine olive oil products.

Gan HaBaron