Over two thousand years ago, when the Romans occupied the Land of Israel, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai began speaking up against Jewish oppression. In response, the Romans issued a death decree against the rabbi, so he and his son fled to a cave. While in hiding, Rabbi Shimon learned, through divine inspiration, all the secrets hidden in the Torah. Years later, when the death decree was finally revoked, Rabbi Shimon began to travel throughout the North of Israel, quietly teaching these secrets to others. The collection of these teachings can be found in a book called The Zohar.
For many centuries, the study of Kabbalah was limited to a few rabbinic scholars in each generation. During the Middle Ages, many of these sages made their way to Israel after the Spanish Expulsion of the Jews in 1492. The majority went to Safed, a city in Northern Israel. This location had a special connection to Kabbalah because it was near where Rabbi Shimon had taught, as well as where he was buried on Mt. Meron. At the elevation of 2,953 feet, Safed is the highest city in Israel, and is one of the few areas that receives snow in the winter.
In addition to the study of Kaballah, the city of Safed has become a haven for artists. One such artist is Chaya Shaiman, a Kabbalistic glassblower and painter. Chaya is an "Israeli-By-Choice". She grew up in Denver, Colorado, and studied Art at Princeton University. Upon graduation, she visited Israel, fell in love with the country, and decided to immigrate. She had a strong desire to live in Israel and become part of Safed's Artist Colony.
The Dreams and Visions Gallery (I just love that name), is owned and operated by Chaya, and includes a wonderful collection of watercolor paintings that all focus on Jewish mysticism. In addition, Chaya gives presentations on such topics as: Kabbalah of Glassblowing, Connecting to the Land of Israel, Expressionist Water Color, and Women's Wisdom.
How do you choose from that lineup? I think I would want to sign up for them all! A trip to the mystical city of Safed is definitely on my top ten list. And, visiting the "Dreams and Visions Gallery" sounds just incredible.
Dreams and Visions Gallery
