The Mekarev Synagogue on Bar Yochai Street, in the northern part of the Old City, is known today for its lively, singing Friday-night Kabbalat Shabbat. It is one of the warmest welcomes in Tzfat for newcomers and English-speaking visitors. Shabbat morning davening is at 8:15am.

The shul was founded in the 1800s by Hasidim from Ukraine, followers of the Makarov branch of the Chernobyl dynasty. A historic plaque names it the beit midrash of the Admor Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak of Makarov, in the year 5617 (1856–57). The stone building, with two arched windows behind blue bars and a dark wooden door, was recently reopened and is used by a local yeshiva for Shabbat prayers.

The name suits it: mekarev in Hebrew means bringing someone close.