Beit She'an: A Journey Through Ancient Wonders and Natural Beauty

• Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [Shalom]
• Goodbyeלהתראות
  [Lehitraot]
• Yesכֵּן
  [Ken]
• Noלא
  [Lo]
• Please/You're welcomeבבקשה
  [Bevakasha]
• Thank youתודה
  [Toda]
• Excuse me/Sorryסליחה
  [Slicha]
• How are you?איך אתה?
  [Eich ata?]
• Fine. And you?טוב. ואתה?
  [Tov. Ve'ata?]
• Do you speak English?האם אתה מדבר אנגלית?
  [Haim ata medaber anglit?]
• I don't understandאני לא מבין
  [Ani lo mevin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseאשמח לראות את התפריט, בבקשה
  [Eshmech lir'ot et hataprit, bevakasha]
• I don't eat meatאני לא אוכל בשר
  [Ani lo ochel basar]
• Cheers!לחיים!
  [Lechayim!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseאשמח לשלם, בבקשה
  [Eshmech lishlem, bevakasha]

• Help!עזרה!
  [Ezra!]
• Go away!לך לעבור!
  [Lech la'avor!]
• Call the Police!קרא למשטרה!
  [Kra lemishtara!]
• Call a doctor!קרא לרופא!
  [Kra larofe!]
• I'm lostאני אבוד
  [Ani avud]
• I'm illאני חולה
  [Ani holeh]

• I'd like to buy...אשמח לקנות...
  [Eshmech liknot...]
• I'm just lookingרק צופה
  [Rak tzofeh]
• How much is it?כמה עולה זה?
  [Kama ole ze?]
• That's too expensiveזה יקר מדי
  [Ze yakar midei]
• Can you lower the price?אפשר להוריד את המחיר?
  [Efshar lehorid et hamachir?]

• What time is it?כמה השעה?
  [Kama hasha'a?]
• It's one o'clockהשעה היא אחת
  [Hasha'a hi achat]
• Half past (10)חצי (עשר)
  [Chatzi (eser)]
• Morningבוקר
  [Boker]
• Afternoonצהריים
  [Tzohorayim]
• Eveningערב
  [Erev]
• Yesterdayאתמול
  [Etmol]
• Todayהיום
  [Hayom]
• Tomorrowמחר
  [Mahar]
• 1אחת
  [Achat]
• 2שתיים
  [Shtayim]
• 3שלוש
  [Shalosh]
• 4ארבע
  [Arba]
• 5חמש
  [Chamesh]
• 6שש
  [Shesh]
• 7שבע
  [Sheva]
• 8שמונה
  [Shmoneh]
• 9תשע
  [Tisha]
• 10עשר
  [Eser]

• Where's a/the...?איפה נמצא...
  [Eifo nimtza...]
• What's the address?מה הכתובת?
  [Ma hakatovet?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?אתה יכול להראות לי (על המפה)?
  [Ata yachol leharot li (al hamapa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?מתי האוטובוס הבא?
  [Matay haotobus haba?]
• A ticket (to ....)כרטיס (ל...)
  [Kartis (le...)]

Beit She'an, one of the oldest cities in the region, boasts a history that dates back to the 5th millennium BCE. During the Late Bronze Age, it came under Egyptian rule, becoming an important administrative center. Archaeological findings include an impressive array of Egyptian-style artifacts and monuments, such as the stela of Seti I and the temple dedicated to the god Mekal.

The city's strategic location made it a contested site between various powers. Beit She'an is mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of King Saul's defeat. The Philistines hung his body on the walls of Beit She'an after the Battle of Mount Gilboa. Later, during the reign of King David and Solomon, the city became an important administrative center for the Israelites.

Under Hellenistic rule, Beit She'an was renamed Scythopolis, becoming one of the Decapolis cities. The city flourished under Roman rule, turning into a hub of Greco-Roman culture. Magnificent public buildings, a theater, a bathhouse, and colonnaded streets were constructed. The Roman influence is evident in the well-preserved archaeological remains that attract visitors today.

During the Byzantine period, Scythopolis became the capital of the northern district of Palaestina Secunda. The city continued to thrive, with the construction of churches, a large basilica, and a monastery. The Byzantine influence is seen in the exquisite mosaics and other remnants scattered throughout the archaeological park.

In the 7th century, the city fell to Muslim Arab forces and became part of the Umayyad Caliphate. Although its prominence declined, it remained an important regional center. Archaeological evidence from this period includes a mosque and various residential structures.

During the Crusades, Beit She'an saw the construction of fortifications and other military structures by the Crusaders. However, the city never fully recovered its former glory and served mainly as a strategic military outpost.

In the 20th century, Beit She'an saw renewed interest and development due to its rich history and strategic location. Modern excavations have uncovered extensive remains from various periods, transforming the city into a significant archaeological and tourist site. The modern town of Beit She'an retains a blend of its ancient past and contemporary development.

Beit She'an is located in the Northern District of Israel. The nearest major city is Haifa, roughly 70 kilometers away. The Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv is the primary entry point for international travelers. From Tel Aviv, you can take a direct bus, train or rent a car to reach Beit She'an. The train journey is scenic and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Buses are also available and run frequently from major cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem.

Beit She'an is a compact city, and most attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, taxis are readily available and relatively affordable. Public buses operate regularly within the city and to neighboring towns. Renting a car can also be a good option if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. Note that Israeli drivers can be aggressive, so drive cautiously. Biking is another option, and there are bike rental services available in the city.

The official currency in Israel is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases and in markets. ATMs are plentiful in Beit She'an, and you can withdraw cash using international debit or credit cards. Currency exchange services are also available at banks and specialized exchange offices.

Beit She'an is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is essential to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Always follow local advice and avoid political demonstrations or gatherings.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police, 101 for medical emergencies, and 102 for the fire department. Beit She'an has a local police station and medical facilities, including a hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many pharmacists speak English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Shalom' (peace) is a common greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Beit She'an like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Israeli goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Beit She'an National Park, which features well-preserved Roman and Byzantine ruins. For a unique experience, attend a local cultural event or festival, often held in the city's amphitheater.