The Beirav Synagogue commemorates Rabbi Yaakov Beirav, one of the most important halachic authorities of 16th century Tzfat. Rabbi Beirav is famous for his bold attempt to reinstate Semicha — rabbinic ordination in an unbroken chain from Moses — which had lapsed for centuries. In 1538, he convened the leading rabbis of Tzfat and they ordained one another, believing Tzfat had become the center of Jewish life and the time was right for this restoration. Though the attempt ultimately failed due to opposition from Jerusalem, it demonstrated the spiritual ambition of Tzfat’s rabbinic community.