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Tzefat


When you mention the city of Tzefat to most Israelis, a warm smile generally comes to their faces. Tzefat is historical, romantic, charming, and quirky. Few Israelis have ever thought of living there, but they absolutely love visiting. One of Israel's four holy cities, Tzefat is perhaps as well known for its artists as it is for its mystics. But Tzfat is also home to 25,000 residents, many of whom work ordinary jobs and carry on normal lives. Olim in Tzefat love their hometown, but are the first to note that it is not the right choice for everyone. One resident reflected on a Kabbalat Shabbat service where he found himself dancing between an elderly Hassid and a young Israeli soldier. The juxtaposition of different people, with different backgrounds but with a common purpose just seems natural in Tzefat.

Tzefat Stats
Region: North - צפון Climate: Mountain
Demographics: Singles, Young couples/Young families, Families, Retirees Medical care:
Maccabi, Meuchedet, Clalit, Leumit
City Type: Small city/Large town עיר קטנה/עירה Affordability: $$
Sectors:
Chabad, Chardal, Dati Leumi, Haredi		  
Number of English speakers: 5% Population: 28500
Community contacts:
Tzippy Oppenheimer
tzippy@nbn.org.il
054-325-7684
Go North Klitah Coordinator
Website: http://safed-home.com
Listserv: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Tzfat/

Local Employment
The question plaguing most prospective residents of Tzfat is how to make a living there, but residents make their livelihoods in a range of ways. Some are involved in the tourist trade or work for the numerous non-profit/religious institutions in the City, others operate home-based businesses, while the rest commute to jobs in Karmiel, Tefen Industrial Zone, Kiryat Shmona, Tiberius, Tefen, or other nearby areas.

Education / Youth
Tzefat's pre-schools (ganim) reflect the ethnic diversity of the city. Residents can choose from a range of options. The elementary schools are similarly diverse, but there are a few that attract the largest percentage of Anglos. There are a few public Religious Schools HaAri, Beirav, and a Torani (Noam) school located in the Old City of Tzefat. Noam is the newest of the three schools. Many Oleh children attend the local Chabad school, even if they are not from Chabad families. Religious girls generally attend Ulpanit Amit for high school, which is located in the city itself, however a number of girls also choose to attend schools outside of the area. The Ulpanit provides a solid religious education and also prepares the girls for Bagrut exams (matriculation exams). Boys either attend the Amit Yeshivati, located in Tzfat, or board at the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva in nearby Meron.


Transportation
It is possible to live in Tzefat without a car, particularly if you do not plan on leaving the city very often. You can walk across the whole city in about half an hour, which is often the preferred method of transportation among residents. Particularly in the Old City and Artist Quarter, it is often difficult to navigate a car along the narrow streets. At the Tzefat bus station, it is possible to take a bus to just about anywhere in the country. Tzefat residents who work outside of the city generally rely on private transportation buses. Some employers provide van service, but most people try to arrange organized carpools.

Olim Services
Ulpanim are available in Tzefat for beginning levels and more options can be found in nearby Karmiel. There are offices of the Absorption and Interior Ministries, and a Drivers License Bureau located in the City. The Anglo community is particularly welcoming to Olim. More information is available at: http://safed-home.com/AliyahtoTzfat.html

Amenities / Services
Tzefat is a city, but a small, charming city. It does not have all of the shopping options you would find in a larger municipality. However, it does have supermarkets, hardware stores, lots of tourist related businesses (e.g. restaurants, gift shops, art galleries), clothing shops, and banks. Residents do occasionally need to travel to Karmiel or other nearby cities for items they cannot find in Tzefat.


Community and Religious Life
Tzefat may well be the most diverse city in all of Israel. It is home to native Israelis as well as immigrants from the U.S., Ethiopia, Russia, North Africa, the Middle East, and dozens of other countries. The residents coexist peacefully and interact frequently. Tzefat has a small, but cohesive community of Anglos. The vast majority tend to live in the Old City or the Artist Quarter. While they span a wide range of ages, the age difference seems to matter little when it comes to social interaction.

Here are some helpful sites
Local phone contacts
http://safed-home.com/phonedirectory.html

General Aliyah information
http://safed-home.com/AliyahtoTzfat.html

Classes and activities (mostly english-speaking)
http://safed-home.com/HappeningsClassesEvents.html

Local Links
http://safed-home.com/links.html


Real Estate
http://safed-home.com/RealEstateinSafed.html


Updated: January 2010

Tags: North Small city Large town $$ Singles Young Couples & Families Families Retirees Chabad Chardal Dati Leumi Haredi