This year, Germany celebrates 1700 years of Jewish life. The oldest mention dates back to an edict by Emperor Constantin from the year 321, stipulating that Cologne Jews could and should serve in the city administration. The life of a religious minority within a Christian society was never without challenges. Periods of coexistence and good neighborhood were undermined by draconian laws, persecution and outbursts of violence directed against Jews. Once we zoom in on one community, we see similarities and differences. There are about 2,000 Jewish cemeteries in Germany, an indication of the long heritage of Jewish heritage between Elbe and Rhine. The small city of Bruehl (45,000 inhabitants), once the residence of powerful Archbishop and Kurfuerst Clemens August (1700-1761), had a vibrant Jewish community as well. As is common for post-Nazi Germany, you need to visit the cemetery to find out more. Let’s have a look.