Beit Jimal

Beit Jimal (or Beit Jamal) is a Catholic monastery, established by Salesian monks in 1919. The monastery is located in the Judian hills next to the city of Beit Shemesh. There are actually two seperate monasteries, one for men and a second for women, as well as a small and well appointed church, called St. Stephen. The monastery has a small shop that offers locally-made olive oil and red wines. There is a small concert hall, where concerts are played on some weekends. The nuns do not belong to Salesian Sisters, but rather to the Sisters of Bethlehem, part of the Assumption of the Virgin and of Saint Bruno. These nuns have taken a vow of silence.

Name

In Hebrew the site is known as Beit Jamal – the monastery is sometimes referenced as Beit Gemal or Beit Jimal. The name of the site is said to be from its local name (in years past), Kfar Gamla, purportedly so named for Rabban Gamliel I – president of the Sanhedrin. The Christian tradition believes that Rabban Gamliel I was buried here, as were St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr and Nikodimos. In 1873 – what were said to be their remains were removed, for re-interment on Mt. Zion.

Meteorological Station

Israel's first meteorological station was created in Beit Jimal in 1919 and is still in operation today.

External links

• "St. Stephen, the First Martyr"
•  "St. Stephen". Catholic Encyclopedia. 1913.