The Samaritans: A Biblical People

Plan Your Visit

The Exhibition

The name Samaritan is often linked to two particular stories found in the New Testament: Jesus's parable of the good Samaritan and the story of his encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. But beyond that, few know much about this micro-community of 850 people living in modern Israel who trace their history back to the kingdom of ancient Israel.

This September, the museum will open a new exhibition that will offer unprecedented access to the life, culture, and history of the Samaritans. Created in partnership with the Yeshiva University Center for Israel Studies, directed by Dr. Steven Fine, the exhibition is the first of its kind. Guests will enjoy unique videos, some of which are filmed in familiar and home settings and focus on the different life experiences of the Samaritans from Passover sacrifices to weddings. They will enjoy tales from the elders and a special sukkah that will help illustrate religious life. The exhibit will also assemble, for the first time, the most important artifacts preserved in museums and libraries the world over to illuminate this amazing history. These include paintings, manuscripts, priceless books, photography, ritual objects, and significant archaeological discoveries from Greece, Italy, and Israel.

Don’t miss this chance to better understand the Samaritans, a community with deep connections to the Bible who have survived for over 2,000 years.

Dates: September 16, 2022 – April 16, 2023
Location: Floor 5
Cost: Included with general admission

Opening Events

In celebration of the exhibition, we are happy to invite guests to the following events:

September 15

A First Look at The Samaritans
Exhibition is open to guests registered to attend the panel discussion.
5:30–6:30 p.m., Floor 5

Panel Discussion: The Samaritans: Ancient and Modern
6:30–8:00 p.m., Floor 6

September 16

Screening of The Samaritans: A Biblical People
Special screening with clergy and theological students, and a panel discussion featuring Moshe Alafi, and Steven Fine of Yeshiva University. Gallery tours with the curators will be conducted at 1:00 and 2:00 p.m.
This event is co-sponsored by the Washington Theological Consortium.
3:00 p.m., World Stage Theater
Price: $17.99, includes museum admission

To join us, use the button below to select your tickets for September 16. Be sure to add the Samaritans: A Biblical People documentary add-on and use promo code SAMARITAN at check out.

September 18

Screening of The Samaritans: A Biblical People
After the film, the event includes a panel discussion featuring Moshe Alafi and Steven Fine of Yeshiva University.
2:00 p.m., World Stage Theater
Price: $17.99, includes museum admission

To join us, use the button below to select your tickets for September 18. Be sure to add the Samaritans: A Biblical People documentary add-on and use promo code SAMARITAN at check out.

About the Film

Samaritans: A Biblical People is the results of five years of fieldwork by producer Moshe Alafi. Dive into the cultural world of the modern Samaritan community as they strive to maintain their 3,500-year-old traditions. The film is an intimate and compelling insider’s view of the Samaritan’s struggle against the odds, of their heart-wrenching choices, their joys and sorrows. It prompts conversations about religious identity and the application of the Bible to personal situations. A panel discussion featuring the producer and biblical scholars will follow each screening.