Biriya Forest
A sloping forest in the North of Israel: Biriya Forest is the largest planted forest in the Galilee, and is situated on the slopes descending east from Tzefat to Rosh Pina and Hatzor. Biriya boasts a variety of fascinating sites – groves, springs, an ancient synagogue, a lime pit, revered tombs, diverse flora, hiking trails and scenic lookouts.
Biriya Forest – Magic & Mysticism in the Upper Galilee
Rashbi Grave in Meron
Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, known as the Rashbi, was one of the great sages in the second century. Known for writing the holy book of Zohar, Jewish mysticism, and is buried in Meron alongside his son, Rabbi Elazar. The grave of both Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son are a holy landmark that draws thousands of Jews from all over the world
Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s tomb in the Galilee
The city of Kabbalah and Mysticism
Throughout the next millennium, the study of Kabbalah was limited to a few select scholars of each generation. In the Middle Ages, many of these scholars made their way to Israel after the Spanish Expulsion of 1492, and of those, many came to Tzfat, which was believed to have a special connection to Kabbalah because of its proximity to the area where Rabbi Shimon had taught, as well as to Rabbi Shimon’s gravesite, on Mt. Meron.
Tzfat – The Mystical City