1. People are friendly – Our neighbors are the best. People say Hi on the street. Most people know each other by face, if not by name.
2. Relaxed “Chill” Neighborhood – It’s generally very quiet here. Except for weekdays when kids are picked up and dropped off from school, the streets are mostly empty from cars.
3. Great bus service – For those who don’t have cars, it’s extremely easy to get anywhere. Buses to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Inner-city, are constantly running.
4. Enough Shopping, but not too much – We have several makolot (small grocery stores) in walking distance, and shopping centers within a few minutes drive. The haredi shopping center near by offers some really great prices and shopping bargains.
5. Minyanim everywhere – You’re never worried about making your next minyan. We have many shuls (Batei Knesset) for all religious types and customs. People often run into a shul closest to them for mincha, and are treated respectfully by the members.

6. Affordable housing prices – There’s a place for almost everyone’s budget. From private homes to 2 bedroom apartments, nearly all styles and sizes are available.
7. Many good schools – There are at least one dozen schools within a 5 minute drive, that encompass nearly all religious groups – From Dati Leumi, Torani, Haredi, Hasidic, etc… There are over two dozen ganim for toddlers to pre-kindergarten, primary schools, secondary schools, high schools & yeshivot.
8. Cultural activities – RBS’s matna”s (community center) is a leading cultural center for the area with concerts, movies, fairs, symposiums, classes, a clothing gemach, and more.
9. Beautiful scenery – Situated in the foot hills of the Judean Mountains, the views are breath taking. We sometimes take for granted how beautiful the surrounding area is, with many attractions, nature trails, and national parks withing a short drive.
10. Strategic – 45 min by train to Tel Aviv. 30 min by car to Jerusalem. 1 hour drive to just about everywhere from Netanya down to Beer Sheva (thanks to Kvish 6).

The newspapers have a lot to say about RBS. Many times, the things that are said are not so good. Yes, we have problems, like every place on earth. Some problems are demographic, and some stem from political activities. However, every place has issues that it wishes could be swept under the rug. RBS is a great place, and I’m glad to be living here for 11 years, going on many more.

I remember coming to Israel as a teenager from my native Chicago. Israelis used to ask me what it was like living with all the mafia violence (you know, Chicago “Al Capone – bang bang”). Sometimes stigmas can overstay their welcome for many decades.

Bet Shemesh includes many unique neighborhoods and sections. RBS Aleph doesn’t deserve the bad rap it’s gotten in the press. RBS Aleph is often confused with RBS Bet, since the names are so similar. Generally, the “issues” you’ve probably heard of in the press are related to a section known as RBS Bet, which is somewhat analogous to Meah Shearim. However, we are worlds apart, and separated by a physical barrier of a couple hundred feet elevation.

Come and check us out – you will love it here. Oh an by the way, whether you’re a native Hebrew, English, French, Russian, Amharic, or Spanish speaker, you’ll fit in just fine! (I assume other languages are spoken too, so come even if you speak Italian…)