To honor the city of Safed, site of the first printing press in the Middle East, Gems in Israel (http://www.GemsinIsrael.com) has launched a series of limited edition prints by noted Jerusalem artist, Helen Bar-Lev.

The first printing press in the Middle East began churning out printed pages in Safed, where in 1578 the first Hebrew book was printed, (at the time this greatly simplified the dissemination of religious texts). The 16th century was in fact the city's Golden Age,during which Safed surpassed even Jerusalem. Safed (also known as Safad, Tzfat, Zefat etc.) became the center of the Jewish spiritual world with the rise of Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah). Some of the Jewish faith's most important texts were written in Safed, including; Rabbi Joseph Caro's Shulchan Aruch, the most comprehensive codification of Halachic law to this day as well as the mystical teachings of Rabbi Yitzhak Luria (Ha-Ari).

Gems in Israel is offering two limited edition signed prints (photo lithographs-250 per series) by Jerusalem artist, Helen Bar-Lev. Helen is renowned for her delicately unique technique combining pen and brush to achieve a level of detail rarely seen in watercolor paintings. For additional information see, http://www.GemsinIsrael.com/HelenBarLev.html .

Gems in Israel is an award-winning online publication that spotlights Israel’s lesser-known tourist attractions and travel sites, the Gems. The publication is a two-time recipient of the Jewish Agency for Israel's Top 10 Site Award. Free subscriptions are available by registering online, at http://www.GemsinIsrael.com/subscribe.html