Ramat Beit Shemesh boasts a multitude of established and vibrant Torah communities, coupled with a well-developed infrastructure of schools and organizations, making it the number ONE destination for frum families making Aliyah.

Renowned as Israel’s youngest city, with most of its residents under the age of 17, Ramat Beit Shemesh offers a serene backdrop nestled amidst the beautiful Harei Yehuda (Judean hills). Conveniently located less than an hour away from both Yerushalayim to the east and Tel Aviv to the west, it provides an ideal balance between urban accessibility and natural beauty.

With its plethora of welcoming shuls, Anglo-friendly schools, and accepting communities, Ramat Beit Shemesh has completely revolutionized the concept of Aliyah for frum families. Here, families can integrate at their own pace without the pressure to “jump right into” Israeli society. They are embraced by a warm, inviting, and supportive environment of fellow Olim who have previously undergone a similar process.

Conversation with RBS residents

At Quick Glance

Location

Jerusalem – Google Maps

Size

Population: 966 K; Israel’s capital and largest city; Large English-speaking population; Tens of thousands of NBN Olim.

Religious Diversity

All affiliations and some neighborhoods are homogenous.

Ulpan

Link to Ulpan

Frequently Asked Questions

General Info

Ramat Bet Shemesh is located in the center of Israel, just 45 minutes from Yerushalayim and under an hour from Tel Aviv.

There is a diverse range of housing options throughout the city, including apartments, duplexes, and both semi-detached and fully detached houses. Certain neighborhoods in the city are currently undergoing expansion projects, providing the opportunity for brand-new housing.

Various bus lines traverse the neighborhoods, interconnecting them and providing a bus to Yerushalayim approximately every 10-15 minutes, depending on the time of day and the specific neighborhood. There is also a train that connects to the north of the country, such as Haifa, Afula, and Karmiel.

For information about public transportation, including travel time and distance, feel free to check out the Move it website

Ramat Beit Shemesh is divided into many sub-neighborhoods, most of which are very accommodating to Olim. These neighborhoods include Aleph, Gimmel, Daled, Hey (Neveh Shamir), Mishkafayim, and Mem-Shalosh.

  • All four medical providers (Maccabi, Leumit, Meuchedet, Clalit) have branches in Ramat Bet Shemesh.
  • Bet Shemesh has a Terem urgent care center that is also available in the evenings.
  • Hadassah Ein Karem Hospital in Yerushalayim is a little over 30 minutes away and Sharei Tzedek Medical Center is around 40  minutes away.

  • Yes, there are many Olim-friendly schools, here is a school directory. Please note, that this list is not an endorsement and does not include every school in Beit Shemesh. It’s a general listing of many of the schools Olim attend. For additional information please email us at: [email protected]
  • For articles and webinars about schools please have a look at the It’s Shayech Chinuch section: https://www.nbn.org.il/its-shayech/.

Ramat Bet Shemesh is a frum neighborhood with many diverse communities encompassing the entire spectrum of frum Jewry, both anglo and Israeli.

Important to note:  In Ramat Bet Shemesh each neighborhood, and at times even specific streets and buildings, have a certain hashkafic orientation, that is not shared by the adjacent neighborhood, streets or buildings. When moving to a certain area its important to understand the community in that specific area.

Social

For additional Bet Shemesh resources feel free to have a look at the Bet Shemesh Directory: https://www.shemesh.co.il/en/directory/all

* Last updated on January 29, 2024 *

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How can we help your Aliyah?

Call us.

    • US & Canada: 1-866-4-ALIYAH
    • Israel: 02-659-5800
    •  Post-Aliyah Answers Helpline (Israel): *3680
    • Lone Soldier 24/7 Hotline (Israel): *6563

[email protected]

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