Last Updated on December 12, 2021
Living in Beit Shemesh – “The House of the Sun”
Beit Shemesh בֵּית שֶׁמֶש is a small city located approximately 30 kilometers west of Jerusalem. The history of Beit Shemesh goes back to pre-biblical times. The ancient city of Beit Shemesh (“house of the sun” or “temple of the sun” in Hebrew) was originally named after the Canaanite sun-goddess Shemesh, who was worshiped there. The ruins of the ancient biblical city can still be seen today and are situated near the modern city
The modern city of Beit Shemesh was founded in 1950.
Some 100,000 residents live in this fast-growing, largely religious community. Beit Shemesh has a mixed population, young and old. Immigrants from the English speaking countries, Russia and Ethiopia are well integrated into the community.
Employment
Its proximity to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv allows for an easy commute and therefore accessibility to numerous jobs suited to English speakers.
The Har Tuv Industrial Park in Beit Shemesh is home to many technical, industrial and engineering companies that provide an assortment of job opportunities to the community. The industrial park is growing steadily providing more opportunities as time goes on.
There are many opportunities for the working Haredi community as well, and in fact, some organizations provide employment to Haredi women alone.
There are numerous job opportunities in the BIG Beit Shemesh office block with high-tech companies, law firms etc.
Housing
An average 3 bedroom apartment rents for about 4000 NIS per month,
An average 4 bedroom apartment rents for about 5000 NIS per month
The selling price for 3 and 4 bedroom homes start at around 1.2 million Shekels.
There are many new developments in Ramat Beit Shemesh Aleph, Ramat HaRoeh (Mishkafayim) M3 & Gimmel. Cottages, garden apartments, duplexes etc. in varying sizes from 3 – 6 rooms.
Transportation
Centrally located, Beit Shemesh is 45 minute ride by car, to Jerusalem and to Tel Aviv. The train from Beit Shemesh to Tel Aviv takes about half an hour. Israel’s extensive public transport infrastructure is generally reliable, efficient, and on time and so commuting by bus or by train is easily do-able. More on
Education
Ramat Beit Shemesh caters to some 32,000 school-going children of all ages. Private and municipal day-care and kindergartens for all sectors of the religious community are available. There is a wide range of elementary schools all of which are attended by the English speaking children who live here.
There are after school activities for children at the community center and at clubs as well as other programs. Various Jewish youth movements are also active in Beit Shemesh.
Religious study programs are available for post high-school aged children.
Shopping
The BIG shopping mall is located at the main entrance of Beit Shemesh, conveniently situated on Route 38, a major traffic artery connecting the Gush Etzion, Mateh Yehuda and other southern surrounding neighborhoods and towns. The Shopping Center primarily provides necessity goods, however it also offers a variety of luxury products through a wide selection of brands. The top national chains are represented in all categories: supermarket, pharmaceuticals, electronics, DIY, office equipment, clothing and fashion, toys, books, household goods and gifts, restaurants and coffee shops, and mobile phone companies. Plenty of free parking.
Medical & Healthcare
You will find branches of all four health funds: Maccabi, Meuhedet, Clalit and Leumit in Beit Shemesh
Culture, Entertainment & Fun Stuff
The Ramat Beit Shemesh Center for the Arts
The Ramat Beit Shemesh Center for the Arts holds exhibitions and hosts activities of all types. In fact, The Ramat Beit Shemesh Center for the Arts in conjunction with the Municipality of Beit Shemesh has established an annual awards contest for artists in each of the five categories currently represented in the Center: Painting, Literature, Music, Photography and Graphic Arts.
The Soreq Cave
The stalactite cave, also called the Soreq Cave or the Avshalom Cave, has some of the most magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations. It can be reached by driving through the northern industrial area of Beit Shemesh. The cave was discovered accidentally by people working in a nearby quarry. Some of the stalactites found in the cave are four meters long, and some have been dated as 300,000 years old. Some meet stalagmites to form stone pillars. A popular outing for the whole family.
For Olim & the Community
Ramat Beit Shemesh has a large and welcoming oleh community from all over the world. Ulpanim are available in Ramat Beit Shemesh, for both adults and children. There are numerous Gemachim where you can get all kinds of equipment and goods for your home use.
RBS Facebook groups
There are a few Facebook groups that cater to the English speakers of Ramat Beit Shemesh – RBS. Download this printable list
Let us know…
Do you live in RBS? If so, we’d love to get your input. Leave a comment below and share information about Ramat Beit Shemesh, with us.
