The village of Meron is a 15 minute drive from Tsfat and home to the gravesites of several famous Talmudic sages as well as the ruins of a Jewish town from the Second Temple era.

Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
Hundreds of people visit Rabbi Shimon's kever daily seeking solutions for their problems or just looking for a rejuvination of their spirituality. He was the author of the holy Zohar and a tanna. Rabbi Shimon requested that his followers celebrate his yahrzeit, lag b'omer (the 33rd day of the Omer), with celebrations. Following his request, hundreds of thousands of visitors stream to Meron, dancing and celebrating throughout the night and following day.

Rabbi Elazar ben Shimon
A Tanna and holy man, he was also the son of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. He and his father hid in a cave for 12 years after they fled from the Romans during the Second Temple era. He is buried next to his father.

Hillel the Elder
Located behind Rabbi Shimon and down the hill about 30 feet, Hillel is buried in a cave with his wife and 30 of his students. He was the head of the Sanhedrin during the Second Temple era, many halachot are based on his school of thought. Hillel is well known for his famous statement in Pirkey Avot, "If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, then what am I? And if not now, when?"

The Ancient Synagogue of Meron
The remnants of this synagogue from the Second Temple period are located at the uppermost spot in the village as per halacha. The entrance to the synagogue is original with only the right side having been reconstructed. This is one of many synagogues of this style located throughout the Galilee and historians state that it once seated hundreds of people.

Yochanan the Sandler
A Tanna, his grave is located down the hill behind Rebbe Shimon's kever

Rav Yiba Saba and Rav Ada Saba
Talmudic Sages buried in front of the building over Rebbe Shimon's grave.

Shammai
Continue on the main road from Tsfat past the entrance to Meron, go past a wide curve in the road and at the first clearing on the right side of the road you will find the remains of the holy Shammai, a contemporary of Hillel the Elder. There are over 300 differences of opinion recorded between Hillel and Shammai in the Talmud, all considered "for the sake of Heaven." In most cases, the sages followed the House of Hillel. The Holy Ari teaches that although we currently follow the House of Hillel, in the messianic age we will follow the House of Shammai. There are also the remains of a synagogue and olive press from the Second Temple located to the left of Shammai's grave. Don't forget to stop and admire the view of Tsfat and its surroundings.