The Ark Stopped Here: Beit Shemesh and Environs

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1. Beit Shemesh is a modern, thriving, city. However, it is mentioned several times in the Bible. The most significant reference to Beit Shemesh appears in Samuel I. According to the Book of Samuel, what happened to the Ark of the Covenant in Beit Shemesh? The Ark of the Covenant was returned after being captured by the Philistines. The Ark made a stop in honor of the Sabbath. The Ark of the Covenant was captured from Beit Shemesh. The Ark was defiled and needed to be reconsecrated.

2. Where is Beit Shemesh located? On the coastal plain. In the Galilee. In the Negev. In the Judean Hills.

3. When did Beit Shemesh become a city? 1991 1948 1950 1923

4. The National Parks Service maintain a park in Beit Shemesh. What is the main attraction of this park? A natural spring A stalactite cave A dinosaur's footprint A Byzantine ruin

5. The Peli family established a park in Beit Shemesh to honor their son, Golan, who fell in the line of duty. What kind of park is it? A rose garden A monument listing all fallen soldiers from Beit Shemesh A park dedicated to teaching children road safety A sculpture park

6. Two of the communities closest to Beit Shemesh are Kibbutz Tzora and Moshav Eshtaol. The intersection closest to these settlements is called "Samson Junction". What is the reason for this name? This is the area where Samson brought the Temple down on the Philistines. Samson lived in the area between Tzora and Eshtaol. This is where Delilah cut Samson's hair. The construction company that built the road is called "Samson".

7. Just outside of Beit Shemesh, on the old Tel Aviv Jerusalem highway, is a tomb. According to legend, who is buried in this tomb? Dan Abraham Joseph Rabbi Meir Baal Haness

8. There is an important archaeological dig on a hill outside of Beit Shemesh. Archaeologists found something unique to biblical sites on this tel. What is it? Fortified walls A large underground water reservoir Pottery shards A press for producing olive oil

9. What is the major crop grown in the Beit Shemesh area? Dates Oranges Grapes Apples

10. In 1997, King Hussein of Jordan visited Beit Shemesh. What was the reason for his visit? As part of a general visit to Israel. To open a new community center named in his honor. He mad secret negotiations in a Beit Shemesh home. To make condolence calls on the families of schoolgirls murdered by a Jordanian soldier.