It was In The Holy Town Of Tsfat, Where The G-dly Presence Rests.... Hence Yeshiva meaning "sitting."
Tsfat (a.k.a Tzfat, Safed, Tsfas, Zafed, Tzfas, etc.) is and has been for many centuries the center of the esoteric part of the Torah widely known as Kabbalah. As a general refference, the Torah can be divided up into four seperate categories and one general all encompassing category. The four categories are seen as four seperate levels being Pshat, meaning the simple or literal interpretation. The second level is DRASH which reffers to the Oral Torah, a sea of talks and learnings that have been past down from generation to generation in the tradition of how the Torah was handed down from Father to Son. The third levels is REMEZ, the allegorical meaning which hints to different connections between the words like number equivalents and similar spellings where many codes can be found
The fourth category of Torah understanding is the hidden secrets, all to commonly known as Kabbalah. The all encompassing category which is a culmination of all four levels is called Chasidus. One of the very special things about Chasidus is that it is brought down in teaching for the layperson to comprehend. This is where Chabad comes into the picture with regular every day folk like you and me.
This section of the Tsfat.org site will list the yeshivas and mikvas in Tsfat and in a basic way in order to describe the differences between the types of learning that go on at each one. As well, visitors can find contact information and links to each yeshivas website.
Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu Chief Rabbi of Safed
Rabbi Bistritski 52-374-2113 Kiryat Chabad Safed
Rabbi Chaim Kaplan 04-6921860 Kiryat Chabad Safed
Chabbad Yeshivas in Tsfat are distinct from all other yeshivas in that they follow the guidelines of the Lubavitcher Rebbe whome every fan and member of Chabad across the board believes to be the leader of the generation and for sure the single figure of our times who has done for the Jewish faith than any other by leaps and bounds. Many of the minyanim end with the slogan repeated three times of "Long live our master teacher and Rebbe, King Messiah, forever and ever!" This troubles some who do not understand it's basis but is less troubling when one investigates and finds out what the Lubavitcher Rebbe has accomplished and why so many believe that he is the greatest Torah leader of our generation. It is not enough to claim that his teachings are all founded and based in the Torah. Nor would it be fair to take over this article which would need to become a novel to fairly give over what the Rebbe is all about.
Lets suffice to say for now that at the Chabad Yeshivas, learning revolves primarily around Chasidus, namely the teachings of the Ball Shem Tov and all of the 7 generations of Lubavitcher Rebbeim that preceeded him. Emphasis of Chabad Chasidus is neither Mooser nor Hashkafa but a fine blend of the two showing intellectual basis for them with emphasis on a deaper understanding of G-dliness and the pursuit of real Teshuva, A Uturn in life where one stays on the same road only following the path of truth in true happiness.
To be fair, this article will list all Yeshivas in Tsfat but lets start with what Chabad has to offer...
Ascent 04-6921364 Ha-ari 2 Safed
Rabbi Shlomo Teles and Rabbi Liter run what is more a youth hostel/3 star hotel that house Kabbalah center and offer various programs for the initiate and tourist alike. Most visitors stay for only a few nights up to a week or two. Learning is in both Hebrew and English with custom programs defined for specific groups.
Beit Levi Yitzhak (Yeshiva Gedola)
04-6972570 Yerushalayim 17 Safed
The largest Chabad Yeshiva in Israel with over 400 full time students. The have a majority of Frum from birth student body with a branch that caters to Bale Teshuva. All learning is done in Hebrew and geared toward Rabbinical Ordination which is covered in a three year program. The Rosh Yeshiva is Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Wilshansky.
Temimei Darech Haari 94 Safed
Co directed by Rabbi Gorenstien and Rabbi Pasternak is A Balle Teshuva english speaking yeshiva with a full time program catered to beginers and intermediate levels of learning. Located in the heart of the old city and based in the Tzemach Tzedek shul which is recently renovated.
Kolel Avreichim Chabad 04-6921860
Rosh Kolel Rabbi Kaplan is located as well in the newly renovated Tzemach Tzedek Shul and caters to Married Men studying towards Rabbinical Ordination and beyond. Emphasis is Talmud, Chasidus and independent study.
Yeshivas Tzeirei Hashluchim 04-6924618 Ha-Shlishi 5
Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Kaplan's enlish speaking Masifta for 14 - 17 year olds
Beis Chana Seminary (Womens) 053-2550371
catering to both Israel and American Frum from birth ladies of all ages. Reputed as one of the strictest Torah learning institutions in Lubavitch today.
Machon Alte Seminary (Womens) 04-6974306 Yerushalayim 33
Rabbi Rosenfeld, Rosh Yeshiva caters to Balle Teshuva girls of all ages.
as well, there is a special program for 18 year old girst called Machon Chaya Mushka where girls go for one year after high school before starting shlichus and shiduchim.
Other Tsfat Yeshivas (non chabad)
Mayonot Yeshiva- has a hippy feeling and is based on a fun loving free for all atmosphere. The program for learning is Zionist based Balle Teshuva that studies Breslov Chasidus and Kaballah.
Shaarei Bina 04-6973172 Yod Bet 92 Safed
Run by Rebbetsin Winegot for girls who need help getting back on the right path. Some of the girls in the program are recovering from addiction abuse.
Yeshiva Shalom Rav Tsfat 04-6923643 58 Bar Yochai
Rabbo Winegot is the Rosh Yeshiva. Program for Americans that are serious about religious and learning but want to go about it in a more relaxed way. Students dictate their own schedule and emphasis is put on live music and sports hiking.
Ohr Tsafon - Derech Chochma 04-682-0633 39 HaPalmach St. Tsfat
Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Eshel. Learning is directed towards english speaking students, focus on classic sources and analysis, Tanach and Gemorah from Rambam to Ram Chal with other non religious classes offered such as Martial Arts. Program fits into the modern orthodox Zionistic approach and is directed towards a Balle Teshuva student body with the average age of 17 to 70.
Merkaz Tournay HeLeumi (Yeshiva Hesder)
was designed to offer advanced Talmudic studies in conjunction with military service in the Israel Defense Forces. In a Religious Zionist framework, the program fulfills the ideal of active participation in the IDF, while engaging in intense Torah study in the students formative years. Students focus on spiritual and intellectual growth while engaging in public service in an integrated Jewish existence.
The Breslev Yeshiva in Tsfat is called Kollel Ohr Tzaddikim.
phone 04-692-2048 located at Kiryat Breslev, Tsfat
The learning program is designed to fit students in one of the three levels of learning. Beginners in level 1 learn halacha, gemara, chassidut. Level two is customized for young married men already familiar with Talmudic concepts. Level three delves into a deaper framework.