Antiquities Authority expert says ancient building in Safed discovered by Israeli businessman likely belonged to Rabbi Isaac Luria, considered to be one of the most important Jewish figures in modern history
Yossi Stefansky, the former Israel Antiquities Authority’s chief archaeologist in the country’s north, and Dr. Nissan Sharifi, an attorney and a researcher on the ancient Jewish cemetery in Safed, have uncovered the Torah study hall of Rabbi Isaac Luria – a prominent Jewish scholar considered to be the father of modern Kabbalah, known as the Ari.
Stefansky was asked to come into a renovated ancient building in Safed, which Sharifi had invested in and turned into a luxury hotel, in order to inspect several finds that were discovered there during excavation and building. According to tradition, the ancient building was part of Luria’s living complex 450 ago, within the city’s Jewish community.
“This place was likely the Torah study hall of one of the greatest Kabbalah scholars ever, in which several of Rabbi Luria’s top students and their friends studied,” Stefansky said.
"This structure and the ruin alongside it are the only remaining ones out of the entire row of buildings above the Jewish cemetery," Stefansky said.
"In 2006, all of the buildings in the area that were designated for preservation were demolished in order to build residential buildings, and I was afraid they would do the same to this building. But thanks to Dr. Sharifi, not only was it not demolished, but preserved. It's an amazing structure. It should be recognized as a national heritage site," he added.
Rabbi Isaac Luria Ashkenazi, or the Ari, was born in Jerusalem in 1534 to his father Rabbi Solomon Luria, who was of Ashkenazi descent, tracing his lineage to King David, and to his mother, who came from a Sephardic family.
According to tradition, Luria was considered a prodigy even in childhood; it was said that at the age of eight no rabbi in his city could compete with his knowledge of Jewish law.
After his father's death, Luria and his family moved to Egypt, where he delved deeply into Kabbalah. In 1570, at the age of 36, Luria, along with his wife, two sons and daughter, immigrated to Israel and chose to settle in Safed.
Source - Ynet/X - Image - Efi Sharir