The
impression of this deserted spot is intensified by its
surroundings. Amidst the closely crowded tombs and monuments,
overgrown with moss, only a narrow passage remains which is almost
entirely covered with shrubbery of thorn-bushes and mat-weed.
"During the inspection, the watchman will tell the visitor the
history of the death of Rabbi Ben Manasseh, the great conqueror of
death, and Rabbi Loewe, the most learned Rabbi of the 17th century;
he will speak of Simon the Just and of the Polish princess Anna
Shmiless. He will then lead the visitor to the monument of Anna
Kohn on which can be read the mysterious figure 606, which shows
that the Jews, more than twelve hundred years ago, had buried
their dead here, in the legendary times of Lyubush and her
daughters.
"If we are not to believe this figure, we must nevertheless agree
with the opinion of the Jews that this is the oldest settlement and
the first Jewish community in Europe.
"Silently the Jewish guide and the curious foreigner go by one
place where under an old lilac bush a heap of stone stands out, and
when the foreigner asks, 'What is this?' the guide gives an evasive
answer----
"'Beth Chaim--the house of life.' Thus is the cemetery called. Yes,
indeed, this place of rest is a house of life, for from here is
given the mysterious impulse which makes the exiles masters of the
earth and tyrants of nations,--the impulse which directs the golden
calf to the chosen tribe.
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