Alternatively, this was at the time a forested area at the margin of Safed, and the ARI used to welcome the Sabbath in these forests. The Ari's tradition of welcoming the Sabbath during Kabbalat Shabbat is still echoed in Jewish communities around the world during the singing of Lecha Dodi, when worshippers turn toward the entrance of the synagogue to "greet" the sabbath.
Alternatively, this area was once a forested region bordering Safed. The Ari would welcome the Sabbath here by greeting it in the forests. This tradition continues today in Jewish communities around the globe during Kabbalat Shabbat, as worshippers face the synagogue entrance to "greet" the Sabbath while singing Lecha Dodi.