BETHSAIDA

bethsaida, a pool or public bath in jerusalem, where miraculous cures were believed to be performed. the following identifications have been suggested: _birket isra'il_, near st stephen's gate; a large cistern, near st anne's church; the "twin pools," north of the haram (the ancient temple area); the _hammam esh-shifa'_ or pool of healing, west of the haram; the virgin's fountain, south of the haram; and the "pool of siloam." which, if any, of these identifications is correct, it is impossible to say.