Sister in Tzfat!

My sister, Karen, came for an all-too-short visit to Israel to see me and offer her prayers at the Holy Shrines. One of our two day trips out of the Haifa/Akka area brought us to Tzfat, along with Ginous and Anjali. Tzfat is a mountain-top town with many shops holding crafts, jewelry, and fine art. It's also the origin of Kabbala, which is quite ancient and, we were informed, only practiced by men (sorry Madonna!)

Up close of one of the doors of Tzfat--
Stars of David of Hamsas, anyone?
Anj and Gigi-- The world famous Safed (Tzfat) Candle Shop, requisite stop-in for all Jews on Aliya--

Close ups of some of the candle work inside. From Noah's Ark (we think it's Hobbes from Calvin and Hobbes!)--

David slaying Goliath (whoa now!)--

Moses parting the waters (you gotta love this!)--

An all-candle book shelf with candle books-- Kipas for sale (Yamakule is apparently Yiddish.
"Kipa" is what they are called here in Israel. Now you know.)