At the highest point in Jerusalem is the neighborhood of Bayit Vegan, an area mainly populated with religious Jews. Bayit Vegan has roots in the earliest history of the modern city of Jerusalem, as well as in ancient times. Beyond mundane stretches of streets and apartment buildings, a breathtaking panorama can be glimpsed from most points of the neighborhood: a view of green hills contrasting with darker green cypress trees, and the glowingly pale stone buildings of Jerusalem sprinkled throughout. While most of Jerusalem is pervaded with ancient history, the archaeological discoveries at the border of Bayit Vegan have been particularly rich. A 4,000 year-old cemetery that occupies more than half an acre has been found near Bayit Vegan, as well as many Canaanite artifacts.
Archaeologists believe that burials took place in the cemetery during the Bronze Age. In the 20th century, Bayit Vegan was one of the six neighborhoods designed by the Bauhaus architect Richard Kaufman, along with Beit HaKerem and Rechavia. The picturesque charm of Kaufman’s design has increased with age: today, the weathered stone facades gleam softly in the sunlight. Verdant greenery seems to escape from every crack in the aging walls and overflow from windowsills. Today, Bayit Vegan is one of the most religious neighborhoods in Jerusalem, housing not only devout communities but also many yeshivas and seminaries for men and women. Several institutions for overseas students dedicated to the study of Torah are located in Bayit Vegan. Additionally, the Amshinover Rebbe is headquartered in this neighborhood—a rabbi renowned for his Kabbalistic knowledge and often sought after for blessings and advice. Appointments with the rabbi are in such high demand that many must see him in the small hours of the morning.
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