The Resilient Torah: A Tale of Survival and Legacy

This year, it seems like visiting Meron on Lag B'Omer might not be possible, but if we wish to explore our heritage, Safed beckons with its rich Jewish history and miraculous tales.

Around seven centuries ago in Spain lived Rabbi Isaac Abuhav, the esteemed author of 'Menorat HaMaor.' He penned a magnificent Torah scroll which was passed down through his family. Approximately two hundred years post his passing, the expulsion from Spain occurred. His descendant, also named Rabbi Isaac Abuhav, of Castile, head of the Toledo Yeshiva, fled with this sacred Torah in his possession. The Yeshiva disbanded, and his prominent students—Rabbi Isaac Canpanton, Rabbi Abraham Zacuto, Rabbi Isaac Abravanel, and Rabbi Jacob Berab—were exiled as well.

Rabbi Jacob Berab immigrated to the Land of Israel and resided in Safed. He brought with him his teacher's Torah scroll, the Abuhav Torah, along with the rabbi's halachic writings. The 'Beit Yosef,' authored by Rabbi Joseph Caro, extensively sourced these writings, preserving them in his codification, the Shulchan Aruch.

The synagogue housing this special Torah was named 'Abuhav Synagogue' in its honor.

In 1759, a violent earthquake ravaged Safed, leveling the synagogue, yet leaving the Torah miraculously unscathed. The community hesitated to touch it, astonished by its survival. Eventually, ten survivors courageously moved it to the Great Synagogue of Safed, thereafter named 'Abuhav Synagogue,' where it remains. Legend tells those who moved the Torah met untimely ends, due to an old taboo against relocating it.

When another major quake struck Safed in 1837, the Abuhav Synagogue was again destroyed, yet once more the southern wall and the Torah endured. Restored today, the synagogue boasts three holy arks. The right one holds the Abuhav Torah, read only during the High Holidays and Shavuot; the left displays a Torah crafted by the revered kabbalist Rabbi Salman Ohana; the center stores other Torah scrolls.

Beyond its sanctity and historical import, intricate art adorns the synagogue: the symbols of the Twelve Tribes, an array of musical instruments, and five crowns: Torah, Priesthood, Kingship, Good Name, and a unique Crown of Salvation. Not to mention, a striking depiction of the Temple graces its dome. Modern artworks, catering to tourists, also hang inside, though it's uncertain if Abuhav himself would have approved...

The synagogue is both a place of worship and a tourist attraction, hosting services and prayers on significant days. Visitors are encouraged to respect its sanctity, coming not just for the art but to savor the Jewish values it embodies.