Selichot and tunnels

Photos: Yos Staybel, Shutterstock, Meteor Star Gazing, Shimon Binyamin, Dov Greenblatt, Shay Rowan, Amit Mandelson, Zazev Stein, from the PikiWiki website, Tomer Avni, Saar Nodel

About the Activity

Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we invite you to a unique two-day experience combining the atmosphere of the Selichot of ancient Safed with the Jewish heritage sites of the Golan Heights. We will tour the magical alleyways of the City of Kabbalists, visit the ancient tunnels, and listen to the Selichot liturgical poems filling the night. The following day, we will continue to the ancient synagogues of the Golan and discover the story of Jewish settlement in the region approximately 1,500 years ago. Two days of spirit, history, and tradition between the Galilee and the Golan.

Thursday | 17 September 2026

Arrive independently at the Golan Field School in Katzrin from 15:00.

19:00 – Dinner

20:30 – Put on warm clothing, wear comfortable shoes, and travel in private vehicles to the City of Kabbalists—ancient Safed.

We will tour the city’s narrow, enchanting alleyways, among ancient synagogues, art galleries, and picturesque stone houses. We will descend to visit the tunnels beneath the Old City and hear Safed’s hidden stories throughout the ages. During the evening, we will peek into the synagogues and listen to the Selichot liturgical poems and the special prayers of the days preceding Yom Kippur. An emotional encounter with Safed’s unique atmosphere, combining history, spirituality, and tradition.

01:00 – Estimated end in Safed.

Return to the field school for a short night’s sleep.

Friday | 18 September 2026

09:00 – Breakfast

10:00 – Check-out and departure for a tour of the ancient synagogues in the Golan Heights. We will visit the impressive remains of the ancient synagogue at Ein Nashut, a Jewish village from the Talmudic period, where visitors can admire the large basalt stones and the unique architecture characteristic of the Jewish settlements in the Golan approximately 1,500 years ago. From there, we will continue to the ancient synagogue at Deir Aziz, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved synagogues in the Golan. At both sites, we will encounter impressive basalt columns, decorations, and remains that tell the story of Jewish life in the region during the Mishnaic and Talmudic periods.

13:00 – Estimated end at the site

Guests booking weekend accommodation receive a 10% discount. For details: 04-6965030 or 03-6388688.

The price includes accommodation, meals, and, of course, high-quality professional guiding based on an intimate familiarity with the area’s nature.

The Vacation Includes Full Hospitality at the Golan Field School

• Air-conditioned ground-level guest rooms, each with a shower and toilet
• Existing protected space on the premises
• Kosher kitchen and dining room
• Lobby with a coffee/tea corner and television
• Synagogue
• Dinner and breakfast

For questions and inquiries regarding the vacation: [email protected]

Important to Know

Activity area: Golan Heights

Target audience: Families; suitable for baby carriers

Difficulty level: Easy

Walking duration: Flat walking

Trail length: 2 km

Required equipment: Closed, comfortable walking shoes suitable for walking in water, plus a change of shoes; hat; 2 liters of water per hiker per day; sunscreen; personal equipment

Please Note

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel reserves the right to cancel or modify the activity in accordance with weather, security, and safety conditions, and at its sole discretion.

The activity will take place only if a minimum number of participants register. Notice will be provided up to one week before the activity.

Children up to age 2: free of charge. 2015/2016