Mystical Energy in the Upper Galilee

Two of the four holy cities in Israel: Tzfat (Safed) and Tveria (Tiberias) are located, pretty close to each other, both in the Upper Galilee area of the northern part of the country. Tveria is on the western shore of Lake Kinneret; Tzfat a bit further to the north, up on the hills overlooking the lake.

There's a mystical atmosphere in both these ancient places which is very strongly felt in their old cemeteries where many venerated sages and tzadikim  are interred. During the last decade I've been visiting Tzfat old cemetery once a year , before the High Holidays, to pay my respects to the memory of  a specific tzadik and his wife whom I've had the privilege to meet in person. (I 've mentioned them in two or three previous posts).

graves of tzadikim (holy righteous people)

behind me, the shed with the couple's graves 

woman with iphone in corner inside shed; it got on my nerves

It's a very long way; heat from hell; proximity to the Golan Heights-Syria border  (red line on the map) where there are battles going on between Assad's army and the rebels; with Daesh, Iran, Hezbolla in the background, and the two 'biggies' America and Russia as cheerleaders.

Tiberias, Kinneret , Safed , Golan Heights  *

Not far from the cemetery - a regional hospital which among its usual duties to provide the locals with medical care, also gives humanitarian medical aid (to both battling parties so that not to ruin relations with either America or Russia). The hospital is quite heavily secured as it is on the 'black list' of some terrorist factors.

Last month (July), there were some minor earthquakes in the area with the epicenter in Lake Kinneret (The Sea of Galilee). Based on history and probability - a big earthquake is expected. When and how big, no one can tell. It could happen any day .

lake Kinneret (as seen on the way back from Tzfat)

I'm no young chick, so I've said to myself : ' That's it; not for me any more. Hopefully, God, and the late tzadik &wife , will forgive me for not coming'. 

Well, as the time approaches  I feel there are forces stronger than me that attract me like magnet. I also remind myself that I get to charge my energies there. Indeed, I come home exhaused, fall on the bed and sleep till noon. But then, next day when I wake up, as well as in the following days, and during the whole year I  feel highly energized - till next year pilgrimage. I've had my share of museums, galleries, shopping centers and the like; now,  I'm at a stage where I need Energy, to be able to go on with my life.  And this is good energy.

orthodox boys' school, Makor Chaim; path by, leads down to cemetery

(there's also a main entrance down along the street)

 orthodox guy , bus shelter ,on the main street near the cemetery

I like the way back, down the hill of Tzfat  as it gives me the chance to see from above, lake Kinneret ( the lowest fresh water lake in the world), in its blue splendor; and then at the foot of the hill the picturesque little town of Rosh Pina awaiting me to visit its mall and treat myself to a bite before getting on the bus back home.

Lake Kinneret - blue strip seen from above (enlarge photo!)

Rosh Pina Mall

Rosh-Pina - water fountain 
(compression socks -leg and knee- helpful for walking /climbing)

Sadly, things seem to be deteriorating: the woman sitting on the bench inside the shed, a place of prayer and meditation, and shamelessly using her i-phone; the red chairs left there after some ceremony (why red and not blue, the color used at graves of the sages?) The city is in bad hands, methinks.

* Web picture (map of Golan Heights)

May Our Wish Come True !

In Israel, when visiting the Western (Wailing) Wall in Jerusalem, people insert a wish note addressed to God, in the cracks between the stones of the wall.  (Haven't been there for a long while, and I miss the site and all that goes along with it).

Western Wall - Jerusalem

women's  prayer section at the Wall (older photo)

women's  prayer section (a more recent photo)

Once a year, prior to the High Holidays (which start towards the end of this month), I visit the tombs of two spiritual figures, two righteous rabbis ;  one buried in the cemetery of the mystical city of Zfat (Safed), and the other in a cemetery of a town adjacent to Tel Aviv.

I'm not a religious person, but I do believe in God and in the power of prayer. People pray at the grave of the righteous (tzadik) asking him to intercede in heaven on their behalf. Before leaving the spot I place a slip of paper by the tombstone asking, as is the tradition, for a good, successful upcoming new year.

At Zfat (Safed) cemetery; rabbi's covered tomb in the background

Men and women praying on opposite sides of the rabbi's tomb (Givatayim cemetery)

Slip of paper?! Well, I've seen people at the charming russian church of St. Nicolai in Sofia, placing.....whole letters in a wooden box by the tomb of Bishop  Seraphim Sobolev, believed to be a miracle maker.

 the russian church of St. Nicolai in Sofia

The marble sarcophagus of bishop Seraphim is in a crypt by the side of the church. The crypt is equipped with tables , chairs, pens and paper. People write their wish on paper, place the letter in the box by the tomb, light candles, and pray.  Quite a sight!  (Photography inside - not allowed). If you happen to be in Sofia, don't miss it!