The house of beatitude is the meaning of the name- Beit Jimal.
It is a Catholic monastery that had been established in 1881, on the slopes of the Judean Mountains, near the city of Beit Shemesh.
Tradition has it that this was the burial site of St. Stephen, who is considered to be the very first Christian martyr.
At later years, tradition also placed the SANHEDRIN (the Jewish high Rabbinical court) nearby as they ahd been the mentors and teachers of Saul of Tarsus (later known as Saint Paul).
The church’s unique stained glass windows offer a glimpse at agricultural sites of times gone by.
These days, it acts as a monastery.
The monastery has a small shop that offers olive oil, pickled olives, honey, candles and ceramics.
The view is simply breathtaking.
Info–
Tel. +972-2-533-5814
Opening hours:
8.30-11.30 am
and
1.30-4.30 pm
Closed on Sunday
Directions:
The monastery is located via Route 38, about 3 kilometers south of the city of Beit Shemesh.
