Page 91 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Prague

JE WISH QU AR TER  89

VISITORS’ CHECKLIST
Practical Information
Široká 3 (main entrance).
Map 3 B3.
Tel 222 749 464 (bookings).
∑ jewishmuseum.cz
Open Apr–Oct: 9am–6pm
Sun–Fri; Nov–Mar: 9am–4:30pm
Sun–Fri (last adm 30 mins
before closing). Closed Jewish
holidays. & 7
Prague Burial Society
Founded in 1564, the group carried out ritual burials and Transport
X Staroměstská. v 17, 18 to
performed charitable work in the community. Members of
the society wash their hands after leaving the cemetery. Staroměstská. @ 207.

. Tombstone of
Rabbi Löw
The most visited grave in
the cemetery is that of
Entrance Rabbi Löw (1520–1609).
Visitors place hundreds of
pebbles and wishes on his
grave as a mark of respect.

. Tombstone of Hendela Bassevi
The highly decorated tomb (1628)
was built for the beautiful wife of
Prague’s first Jewish nobleman.
Understanding the Gravestones
From the late 16th century
onwards, tombstones in
the Jewish cemetery were
decorated with symbols
denoting the background,
family name or profession Blessing hands: A pair of A stag: Hirsch or Grapes: blessing
of the deceased person. Cohen family scissors: tailor Zvi family or abundance

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