Mystical Voices: The Story Behind the Beit Yosef's Journey to Israel

Where did the Beit Yosef live? That's an easy question. Everyone knows it was in Safed. He was in the company of great figures like Rabbi Jacob Berab, the holy Ari, who was also his relative, and Rabbi Moshe Alshich. Together, they helped establish the Jewish community in Safed, turning it into one of Israel's holy cities.

His birthplace is well-documented: Spain. During the Spanish Expulsion, his father, Rabbi Ephraim, fled to escape forced conversion.

But where was he between these times, and why did he move to the then-desolate land of Israel?

The series of events is tied to the holiday of Shavuot. Rabbi Yosef Karo was a respected member of the Izmir community, financially supported by its wealthier members. On the night of Shavuot in 1533, or 5293 in the Jewish calendar, Rabbi Yosef Karo experienced a revelation witnessed by his friend Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz and other scholars, prompting both to move to the Land of Israel.

Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz described it: "Our Creator granted us the privilege of hearing a voice speaking through the pious man, Rabbi Yosef Karo, clearly enunciated, while neighbors heard but could not understand. The sweetness of the sound grew louder and stronger, and we fell on our faces, unable to lift our heads out of awe."

A mysterious voice began to speak from Rabbi Yosef Karo’s mouth—a "Maggid," teaching him hidden secrets of the Torah. Rabbi Yosef documented the Maggid's words in the book "Maggid Meisharim," which, according to his students, contains merely snippets of the many revelations he experienced.

The Maggid revealed that Rabbi Yosef's study of the Mishnah on Shavuot night led to this revelation, telling him, "I am the Mishnah speaking through you." The Maggid promised him, "I will ensure you move to Israel this year." And indeed, that same year, the Beit Yosef journeyed to the holy city of Safed with several great scholars, gifting the world with his monumental work, the Shulchan Aruch.

Upon settling in Israel, Rabbi Yosef Karo was established as the authoritative rabbi, followed for generations in his halachic rulings by all who dwelt in the land.