An Encounter in Tzfat

By Susan Hirschbiel

At the beginning of our trip Bob Henley suggested that each of us would be experiencing “a moment.”  As I am fortunate to be on my second visit to this Holy Land I knew what he meant.  Last visit I was overcome with emotion as we arrived at the Western Wall in time to welcome Shabbat.  What would happen this time?  

Every day here brings a flood to the senses:  the architecture is so ancient and steeped in layers of historical significance.  I love the food including the myriad buffet at breakfast and dinner with amazing salads, breads, cheeses, fruit, and vegetables.  Even though the weather is hot the skies are just beautiful. The flora and fauna are unique, But mostly I love watching the people. All from different and unique cultures.   I’ve had a wonderful time explaining to my new Christian friends about the various customs of Jews, especially the obviously observant Jews. I’m certainly no expert but I realize how strange all of the rules and restrictions must seem to the uninitiated.  And I love my new understanding of the work of Jesus and having a better understanding of his teachings.  

One of my favorite places in Israel is the ancient city of Tzfat, tucked high in the hills of the Sea of Galilee.   Tzvat is the center of Kabbalah, or Jewish Mysticism and the narrow cobbled streets are lined with synagogues, retreat centers, and artists studios.  We arrived early one morning and were lucky to observe a young couple being escorted under the portable Chuppah to the synagogue with a Klezmer band and friends and family escorting the into their newly married lives.

Just before this our group was slowly walking from the top of the hill towards the artists district, with our guide Yaron telling important details about this city.  We loved the story of the woman who lived at the top of a long meandering staircase that left food for the Messiah every day for 30 years. Who knows if he would like tea or coffee?, so she left both.     

A quiet beautiful older woman, immaculately dressed seemed to be wandering down the hill among our group.   She is a tiny person, maybe 70 years old, obviously religious,  wearing a head covering and a beautiful navy embroidered cape over a long navy skirt.  I caught her eye and offered “Boker Tov!”            ( good morning) and she looked directly at me as she smiled and asked if I spoke English. From that moment she had my complete attention.  In perfect English She wished for me the blessings of Hashem, and began to impart to me what this blessing meant and what complete devotion to Hashem means.  Jane Henley later described her as a Kabbalah Missionary.   Many of us observed that she was simply radiant.   I would not really say this was a conversation, more likely this woman,  I’ll call her Sarah, was embracing me with her light, her faith, her unwavering belief in Hashem.   But not in a threatening way, more in a very special very gentle embrace.  I was completely captivated, as were my fellow travelers who gave us a wide berth.   She had little interest frankly in hearing about our Christian friends, except for her assurance that I must pity them and help them to see the truth that Moses is the only true profit.    Finally we were moving on and Bob in his gentle way had to extricate me from the spell I was under.  I am thankful that my meditation practice has given me the skills to focus on this encounter fully as it was unfolding.  I did not want to miss a moment of her blessings,  yes, this is my moment.  It will linger for a very long time indeed.