Randomly decided to look into what Jesus was talking about in the story of the good Samaritan. According to Wikipedia, Samaritans are an Abrahamic religion. Thought that was cool. Apparently, as of 2024, there are only 900 of them left. Which I think is kind of sad.

The Woman Whose Day Turned Out Differently Than She Planned

There was once a somewhat bold and saucy Samaritan woman who lived on the outer edges of social convention. As a result, perhaps, she chose to stay away from the normal women’s gathering as they filled large water jars, avoided the heat of the day and caught up on village gossip. Instead, she went to the well at midday to draw water. There, she ran into a strange man, resulting in one of the most…

The Woman Whose Day Turned Out Differently Than She Planned

Feel a little less lonely this Xmas

Many really struggle with this time of year so, if you’re feeling alone and struggling with everything, please know my DMs are always open and there is always someone, somewhere who’ll listen to you🤘💜🙏

(the following image is for UK only)

Hey, buddy, ya feeling alright?

High‑Functioning, But Not Fine: The Hidden Faces of Depression

High‑Functioning, But Not Fine: The Hidden Faces of Depression

Hey there! Nice to meet ya. I hope you and my li'l bro haven’t been getting into too much trouble

Passover sacrifice of the Samaritans on the Mount Gerizim, Palestina

Israeli vintage postcard

at this point the samaritans number not working is a running bit in my life

Ancient Peoples: The Samaritans

A couple of new quiz offerings for my Ancient Peoples playlist yesterday – here’s the first of them!

the samaritans helpline waiting music is the silliest thing ever, how do i go from that silly little jingle to “Hi, pls make these thoughts go away 🙏🙏”

The oldest known complete insciption of the Ten Commandments, Samaritan Hebrew on white marble, 300-800 CE.

This culturally invaluable indigenous relic was recently held for auction at Sotheby’s in New York with the audacious description of it being a “tangible link to the beliefs that helped shape Western Civilization” and the estimated price set at around 1 Million USD.

This Israelite Samaritan version of the Ten Commandments was written in Samaritan Hebrew script (close descendant of Paleo-Hebrew) and once part of a Samaritan Synagogue. Samaritans are the closest ethnoreligious cousins of Jews and despite their numbers having dwindled over milennia of imperial rule and forced assimilation they still live in their homeland and maintain their peoplehood, language (Samaritan Hebrew) and culture.

The marble tablet was unearthed in 1913 during railroad excavations along the southern coast of modern-day Israel near the ancient Israelite settlement of Yavne (יַבְנֶה, later يبنى) and is believed to be the only complete example of its kind from antiquity. It was at first used as a paving stone in the courtyard of a local Arab man for decades, with the letters facing up and exposed to foot-traffic, but later recognized for its historical significance. It ended up in the hands of a researcher who sold it abroad which lead to it being removed from the land of its people. After being auctioned in New York it was acquired by an anonymous Jewish buyer who will reportedly have it returned to Israel.

Samaritan High Priest ʿAmram Yitzḥaq Cohen (עַמְרָם יִצְחָק כֹּהֵן) (left) in Shechem שְׁכֶם, also known as Nablus نابلس, showcasing a Samaritan Torah scroll, Feb. 1963.

Brothers ʿAmram (right) and Tsedaka ben Yitzḥaq Cohen צְדָיָה בֶּן־יִצְחָק כֹּהֵן (left) (1894-1971, political leader of the Samaritans in Nablus / Shehem 1930-1970) in the 1960s. Photos from the archive of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), who funded the construction of a Samaritan school in the area.

A Teacher writes a lesson in Samaritan script (descended from paleo-Hebrew), in a school built by the JDC, 1966.

A Christmas Message from Samaritans

This was originally posted on Facebook by Samaritans, a British and Irish charity that takes phone calls from anyone having a difficult time. I’m sharing it here in case it’s helpful to anyone.

There are all kinds of reasons why you might find this time of year tough.

Maybe you don’t celebrate this time of year and feel like it’s all happening around you.

Maybe the financial pressures feel too much.

Maybe you’re missing loved ones.

Maybe you’re already struggling with your mental health and don’t need any extra pressure.

Maybe you have difficult or complicated family dynamics.

There are countless reasons why this time of year might be challenging for you.

But know you’re not alone, you’re not the only one feeling this way.

Whatever you’re going through, we see you and we’re here for you.

Call free day or night on 116 123.

There are many ways to get in touch with Samaritans if you need it.

This is what I needed during my cold

He said ME

and the clip is so funny 😂

He really said “🖕🏻thank you, sorry, thank you!🖕🏻”

Also GO DONATE to Crisis Text Line!

Tiltify

THANKMAS IS ONGOING! Donating to Crisis Text Line and Samaritans for mental health!