 Bethany was the last station on their route to Jerusalem after crossing the river and taking the road through Jericho up into the highlands.A respectful distance from the city and Temple, and on the pilgrim route, Bethany was a most suitable location for a charitable institution.It is not surprising that an Essene hospice had been established at Bethany to intercept and care for pilgrims at the end of the long and potentially arduous journey from Galilee.