After a relaxing Shabbat, we packed our bags, ate breakfast (except for those of us fasting), and drove to Tsfat. There, we took a short tour of the city, where we saw some beautiful artwork, visited a synagogue, and went into several stores where we learned about the art of candle making and how Kabbalah inspired an artist’s work. After, we were given the opportunity to buy some of the many unique products available in Tsfat, including a variety of beautifully handcrafted mezuzahs, chamsahs, candles, and paintings, often sold to us by the artists themselves.

Our chicken schnitzel sandwich lunch seemed to be very well enjoyed by those who ate it, and afterwards, we visited a museum, where we learned about the important process of making a kosher Torah, mezuzah, and Tefillin scroll. We saw the whole process, from the actual kosher animal skins to making parchment, to the writing of the actual words by hand, using a feather and ink. We actually were given the chance to try the latter, after being given instructions by a professional scribe.

Such an interesting day has left me feeling very excited for the next. I can hardly believe we have almost a month of these days left on TJJ, and am really looking forward to the rest of the trip!

– Arielle Shannon