WHY ARE THERE SO MANY ENGLISH LANGUAGE SPELLINGS OF THE NAME OF THE CITY WHERE I LIVE?
This city has been occupied and influenced by; Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze Ottomans, Arabs, Romans, British, Scottish, Egyptian and others.
The Anglo spellings that I am aware of are; Zefat (currently preferred by the municipality), Safed, Tzfat, Tzfas, Tsfas, Tsfat.
Each population brought their perspective and respective language, pronunciation and nuance. There are probably more archaic pronunciations and spellings that I am not aware of, yet.
WHAT IS THE CITY THAT I LIVE IN KNOWN FOR?
Jewish religious scholarship, with an emphasis on Fifteenth Century Kabbah and Mysticism. It is one of the four holy Jewish cities. It is the Holy city of the sky and the wind. As well as refuge.
Art and Music of all kinds.