If indeed, Beit Shemesh was not already recognized as a warm and together community, their popular website is a surefire way to describe the intrinsic relationship that neighbors in Beit Shemesh use to be in constant contact with one another. Although, mostly serving the Anglo (native English speaking) community, as it was set up by Anglo community members and is an English website, it connects residents of Ramat Beit Shemesh and Beit Shemesh. The website offers a variety of tools, from Shemesh phone, where one can look up phone numbers for residents and services, to real estate information and a section of things to buy and sell. The website also contains a message board and listserve, which is referred to in practically every conversation surrounding Beit Shemesh.

This listserve is highly popular and a key topic of conversation with any Anglo Beit Shemesh resident. If one needs a lift to Jerusalem, or something purchased on a trip abroad, something to sell or something donated to the community gemach (free loan society), Beit Shemesh residents simply post a listing. Of course, this list has no limits. In light of a recent book burning at a religious elementary school in town, a whole flock of thoughts and arguments were posted on the list. In late December, a teacher and principal burned a copy of the New Testament brought in by a student--causing a stir of controversy--and leading to both people being put on leave.

This incident gained attention throughout Israel (and internationaly), including repeated articles and editorials in the Jerusalem Post. Beit Shemesh, a community mixed with secular Israelis, modern Orthodox and Haredi Jews, had a lot to say about this incident - and needless to say, from every end of the spectrum. Some people wrote in proclaiming the event was a disgrace, while others were most upset over the loss of their child's principal and teacher. Some wwriters feared missionaries might be affecting their children (the influencing factor for the teacher and principal to burn the book), and yet others just wanted the publicity and discussions to die down before it cast a negative viewpoint on their town and a distraction for their children's education. The entries varied from one-lined responses, to actual religious debates, on not just the event itself but on the legitimacy of Christianity and religious tolerance. Some referred to other websites which had further Jewish teaching on similar subjects, while others pleaded with residents to vote one way or the other in a Jerusalem Post survey on the incident.

Indeed this debate, of which the intensity of is now fading, gives great insight into the dynamic Beit Shemesh community. The website itself also depicts the closeness and giving nature of the Beit Shemesh residents -residents who also are not afraid to voice their conflicting opinions. If you are interested in visiting the Beit Shemesh website, go to www.shemesh.co.il , and browse around.

Tammuz 5762 - June 2002