16 Points East

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The Sino-Judaic Institute is a non-denominational, non-profit, and non-political organization, founded on June 27, 1985, in Palo Alto, California, by an international group of scholars and lay Vol. 26 No. 3 A Publication of the Sino-Judaic Institute persons, to promote friendship and understanding between the Chinese and Jewish peoples and to November 2011 encourage and develop their cooperation in matters of mutual historical and cultural interest. Its objectives are: BACK TO THE FUTURE THE NEW WAVE OF JEWISH 1) The study of the ancient Jewish community of Kaifeng and assisting its descendents as appropriate. IN KAIFENG MIGRATION TO CHINA SINCE THE by Moshe Yehuda Bernstein 2) The study of Jewish life in Shanghai, Harbin, Tianjin and elsewhere in the 19th and 20th centuries. REFORM AND OPENING-UP by Pan Guang, Wang Jiam & Wang Shuming 3) The support of Jewish studies programs in China. My first visit to Kaifeng and encounter with the community of http://www.cjss.org.cn/200706205.htm its Jewish descendants was in July 2009. At that time, I had translated and adapted to English 4) The study of cultural intersections between Chinese and Jews, for example adoptions, literature, come to Beijing to explore options for a semester of student by Tiberiu Weisz diasporas, etc. exchange as part of the Chinese language major in which I was then enrolled at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia. [About the translation: I translated this article with the Western 5) The study of Sino-Israeli relations. Although my main focus then was Beijing Language & Culture reader in mind yet stayed as close to the original Chinese text University (BLCU), where I ended up studying for the first half as I dared. The Chinese text is written for Chinese audiences, 6) To cooperate with other groups whose interests lie in Sinitic and Judaic matters. of 2010, I also made inquiries into the Chinese language pro- not necessarily following the Western train of thought. I made gram at Henan University in Kaifeng. some adaptations, eliminated some redundancies and tried keep the flavor of the original Chinese text.] Membership in the Institute is open and we cordially invite you to join in supporting our endeavor. My main interest in Henan University, however, was not so Our annual dues structure is as follows: much its program of Chinese language, which was not as de- (Background note: Two years after the death of Mao Zedong in veloped as that of BLCU, but rather its proximity to the com- 1976, China has initiated the Four Modernizations – Agricul- munity. I had first heard about the existence of such a commu- ture, Industry, National Defense and Science and Technology Benefactor ...... $1,000 nity of self-proclaimed Kaifeng Jews over a decade before from that evolved in what later they called Reform and Opening-up.) Patron ...... 500 Professor Xu Xin of Nanjing University, where I was then a guest lecturer to a large and enthusiastic audience during China opened her doors to the world after the Reform and Corporate Patron ...... 500 Hanukah 2000 on “The Survival of Jewish Culture in Diaspora”. Opening-up. Chinese society underwent previously unheard Corporate Sponsor ...... 250 to 499 My subsequent investigations on this tiny minority, a drop in changes that gradually influenced the political and economic Corporate Member ...... 250 to 499 the ocean of China’s vast populace, who managed to preserve landscape of the world. The economic development of the Re- a strong sense of their ancestral identity in the wake of massive form and the Opening-up movement focused the eyes of the Sponsor ...... 100 acculturation, only increased my fascination with their unique world on China for future opportunities. The Jews, as the world Regular Member ...... 50 story. Unlike in Europe, where a narrative of persecution and most internationalized people, have also been watching intensely China’s peaceful development and opportunities. In Nov. 2004 segregation facilitated the perpetuation of distinct Jewish reli- tures in Modern Times Libraries ...... 50 gion and culture until the Enlightenment, China welcomed its Prof. Shalom Salomon Wald of “The Jewish People Policy Plan- Academic ...... 30 Jewish inhabitants, an embrace that gradually led the Kaifeng ning Institute” said in his report China and the Jews: Old Cul- Senior Citizens ...... 25 Jews to adapt to those syncretistic elements in Confucianism that the world Jewry is paying close and Taoism that were viewed as compatible with their eroding attention to China’s peaceful development. The report pointed Students ...... 25 Judaism. At the time of that 2009 visit, I was preparing the out China’s development could have an impact on Jewish in- groundwork for an undergraduate research paper entitled “Lan- terests in the future and Jewish policy makers must have a Jew- guage Shift and the Maintenance of Cultural Identity: Kaifeng’s ish policy towards China. Apart from these broad policies and I wish to become a member of the Sino-Judaic Institute and receive Points East three times a year. Enclosed is Jewish Descendants”. Through her blog, I had made contact economic recognition of the Chinese market, the Jews came to my check for $ . with Guo Yan, a young woman who has dedicated her life to China from all over the world and they had extensively and PLEASE PRINT the promotion of Kaifeng Jewish culture. She in turn connected deeply influenced the development of the Eastern Seaboard of PLEASE PRINT me to Yaakov Wang, a bright young student in his early twen- China. More and more Jews live in various places in China, ties, who was my guide for the better part of that four day visit. and new Jewish communities are being developed and estab- Name: lished in the Eastern Seaboard. During that previous visit I observed classes of varying levels in Address: Hebrew taught by Zohar Milchgrub, an Israeli student of Chi- 1. Jewish life in early China nese language at Henan University. In my conversations with Since the 1970’s, Jews came to China in three waves: The first Home Phone: Work Phone: Ya’akov and several other young men studying Hebrew, I learned wave was in the 1980’s. The opening of China attracted some that they were hoping to go to Israel in the coming autumn to Jewish merchants and travelers, but there were not many long Fax: E-Mail: study in kibbutz ulpan. Ya’akov’s dream was to be ordained as time residents, very few workers and even fewer long-term in- a rabbi in Israel and then to return to Kaifeng in that role, vestors. The second wave was in the 1990’s. With the estab- Mail to: The Sino-Judaic Institute, Prof. Steve Hochstadt, Dept. of History, Illinois College, (continued on page 3) (continued on page 6) 1101 West College Ave, Jacksonville IL 62650 Points East 15 B. Grants Update · Zhang Ping: Garz suggests we give him * Abraham has 10 boxes of Al Dien’s SJI Points East SJI gives $5,000 per annum to Fu Xiaowei $2,000 to $5,000. Hochstadt says this papers. It was recommended that they TABLE OF CONTENTS FROM THE EDITOR Anson Laytner, Publisher at the Sichuan University of International needs to be a one-time only, seed grant, be donated to the Hoover Archives at We wrap up volume 26 of Points East with  Studies in Chongqing. but it was left unclear whether Zhang Stanford U. Featured Article: a number of fine articles relating to the Points East is published by the Sino-Judaic · It runs an essay competition for gradu- should make a proposal to the Grants Jews of China, both the Kaifeng commu- Institute, a tax-exempt, non-profit organization. ate students, holds grad student meetings, Committee or the Board was recom- Back to the Future * Royal Ontario Museum’s Kaifeng Jew- nity and the contemporary ex-pat Jewish The opinions and views expressed by the and offers Israel studies. mending funding outright. ish collection would be ideal to offer as contributors and editor are their own and do in Kaifeng ...... 1 communities of Eastern China. Also in- · It has empowered a group within the · Hochstadt wants Fu Xiaowei to write a special private tour fundraising tour. not necessarily express the viewpoints and cluded is a summary of the Sino-Judaic university and created opportunities for an article for Points East in near future. positions of the Sino-Judaic Institute. Trends in Immigration ...... 1 Institute’s annual board meeting, which them to go abroad. · Support Beit HaTikvah school: * Rothberg wondered if SJI could get a sparked some reflection on my part. Letters to the Editor and articles for Points East · Siddur—SJI can offer a bit of funding copy of the Jade Chime made as well as Over the years, SJI has gone from specu- may be sent to: Den Leventhal, head of Grants Commit- · Chinese language library of Judaica an actual Torah for Kaifeng Jews. lating whether or not there were still self- tee, reported on several prospective re- · Chinese-speaking, Jewishly knowl- From the Editor ...... 2 identifying Jews in Kaifeng, to wondering Preferred Form: cipients: edgeable teachers are needed to help. * The Board discussed, without taking if they wanted—and if we could provide— e-mail:[email protected] · Zhang Ping is an academic who has · Jack Zeller of Kulanu has facilitated action, on the idea of developing a cur- To the Editor...... 2 assistance in any way, to actually support- or to: Rabbi Anson Laytner been exploring the moral foundations of Birthright Israel trips from communities riculum on Jews in China (Kaifeng, ing cultural activities for a strong contin- 1823 East Prospect St. Israel and is translating the Talmud into in Uganda and Suriname. We would like Shanghai and elsewhere) for use as a 3 gent of Kaifeng Jews in a renascent com- Seattle, WA 98112-3307 Chinese. It was suggested to give$5,000 to support week course in supplementary schools or munity. That alone is miraculous. Then to a grad student selected by Zhang Ping. Birthright Israel trips for young Kaifeng in day schools. Audrey Friedman Marcus Articles: too, as Pan Guang et al.’s article de- Points East is published three · Fu Youde is a philosopher who heads Jews. was suggested as a resource person as well scribes, there has been the stupendous times a year, in March, July the Jewish Studies program at Shandong · B’Chol Lashon is a U.S. organization as the Hebrew Union College’s school How the Chabad Began in China ... 11 growth of non-Chinese Jewish communi- and November. University. He has written of the ideo- doing disenfranchised Jewish community of education. We could pay up to $1000 ties on the coast. And equally amazing Deadlines for submitting logical vacuum in the “post-Communist” outreach and we are in discussion about for this work. Kaifeng Jews Flourish in Israel ...... 13 has been the flourishing of Jewish and Is- material to be included in these era and espouses a Neo-Confucian ap- organizing a trip to Kaifeng for Jews with raeli studies at institutions of higher learn- issues are January 15th, proach informed by other religious/ethi- adopted Chinese children as a way of * Board Update: Laytner noted that he’ll ing in China. Zhen xiguai! May 15th and September 15th. cal traditions. Hochstadt said SJI should confirming their Jewish and Chinese Summary of SJI Board Meeting step down as President after this year. The Jewish High Holy Days are a time for target grants to people, like Fu, whose identities. Lily Yuan Ninberg resigned from Board 26 June 2011 ...... 14 reflection and self-evaluation. SJI is a small work and reputation we’re aware of. but volunteered to help with translations. FINANCIAL REPORT AVAILABLE organization, with no staff and a tiny bud- Shandong U is second only to Henan 4. Electronic Media Len Hew has moved to the Advisory get that consists primarily of paying for SJI members interested in receiving a copy University in the size of its program. · Rothberg has set up on Facebook: Board. Eric Rothberg and Marvin Tokayer Points East and helping to support and of the annual financial report should send · A public SJI Members page were voted in unanimously as new Board sustain both Jewish life and Jewish stud- a self-addressed envelope to: Steve The conversation turned to how best to · A private Kaifeng Kehilla page. members. ies in China. Much as we’d like to claim Hochstadt, Treasurer of the Sino-Judaic maximize SJI’s influence and avoid de- We need somebody to update FB page credit for all that has happened in our ar- Institute, Illinois College, 1101 W Col- pleting our reserves prematurely. One regularly. [Editor’s Note: Dr. Abraham was unable eas of interest over the years, we know lege Ave., Jacksonville IL 62650. way is by serving as a pass-through to · Abraham will add email addresses to to travel to Kaifeng and elsewhere as had we are but a bit player. Nonetheless, we Chinese institutions for large foundations mailing list SJI MEMBERSHIP are honored to have played our small part been anticipated at the time of this meet- (like Glazer, Schusterman, etc…) Another · Belzer will set up date and place for ing.] in these developments. The Sino-Judaic Institute might be to annually fund in rotation a Rabbi Anson Laytner annual meeting (2012) Country Total Shana tova. May you all have a healthy 1823 East Prospect St. Chinese academic to attend major Jew- · Laytner arranged for an editorial in- and happy new year! Seattle WA 98112-3307 ish studies conference in the US, who tern to arrange for e-publishing of Chaim United States 175 Anson Laytner • could then return to China with infor- Simon’s book on traditional Jewish prac- China 22 North American Managing Board mation to share, rather than funding many tices of the Kaifeng community. She put Anson Laytner, President; Arnie Belzer, “The Jews of Kaifeng” Israel 15 TO THE EDITOR projects. it on Kindle but we still need to publish Vice-president; Steve Hochstadt, Treasurer; it as an e-book. Dana Leventhal was pro- Could Visit Your Community Ondi Lingenfelter, Secretary. Wendy Canada 13 Gentlemen: A fundraising committee could leverage posed to help with this and with Sino- The Sino-Judaic Institute’s exhibit is Abraham, Joel Epstein, Bev Friend, Seth these success stories to secure further England 6 There is a street in Jerusalem named for Garz, Mary-Anne Graham, Ron Kaye, Dana Judaica. a hit wherever it goes! funding from foundations and individu- Australia 3 SIMA BLILIOUS, a philanthropist from Leventhal, Den Leventhal, David Marshall, als. Abraham volunteered to lead Hong Kong who supported the Sefardi Art Rosen, Eric Rothberg, Vera Schwarz, 5. Kaifeng Jews Exhibit Educational ~ A great community re- Germany 3 fundraising committee and Belzer offered community in Jerusalem. That is all the Marvin Tokaer, Tibi Weisz, Albert Yee. · The SJI Exhibit consists of framed pho- lations bridge between Jews and Japan 2 International Board to help. information I have, except that the build- tos of the Kaifeng community past and Asians ~ Unique programming and South Africa 2 Mark Cohen, Irene Eber, Avrum Ehrlich, present. It costs $2,000 to transport from public relations opportunities for all ings on the street named for her, were Judy Green, Teddy Kaufman, Michael Li, C. Outreach: New Members CA to East Coast, so it is best to use in age groups ~ Complementary mate- Indonesia 1 built between 1909 and 1933, if that is Maisie Meyer, Mark Michaelson, Sonja The Board decided to place an ad in the West in places like the Contempo- rials and speakers available ~ Afford- Switzerland 1 significant. I am trying to find more in- Muehlberger, Gustavo Perednik, Yitzhak Asian Jewish Life, a HK-based journal to Shichor, Elyse Silverberg, David Zweig. rary Jewish Museum in SF, Jewish Com- able ~ Easy to install ~ formation about her - significant dates promote SJI. Laytner noted that the pub- Taiwan 1 Advisory Board in her life; who she was married to; chil- lisher had agreed to exchange feature ar- munity Centers and in the Chinese com- Jan Berris, Fu Youde, Jonathan Goldstein, For scheduling information, dren; occupation; did she come to Eretz ticles on the magazine and SJI. munity. Jerry Gotel, Pan Guang, Len Hew, Tess please contact: Yisrael or did she do her philanthropy Johnston, Rena Krasno, Donald Leslie, from abroad. If you have any informa- 6. Miscellaneous Rabbi Arnie Belzer TOTAL: Andrew Plaks, Shi Lei, Josh Stampfer, 3. New Initiative Proposals tion, please let me know. Shalom Wald, Xiao Xian, Xu Xin, · Rothberg wants to pursue conversion * It was proposed that American Jewish P.O. Box 816 244 Zhang Qianhong. ceremonies for Kaifeng Jews. He thinks families adopt Kaifeng Jewish families Savannah, GA 31402 Thank you, Past Presidents it would be helpful in confirming their as a way of offering people to people, 912 233 1547 Roberta I. Cohen Al Dien, Leo Gabow Jewish identity and believes it is safer tangible help. Belzer suggested we ad- [email protected] [email protected] than many fear. vertise in Reform Judaism magazine. 14 Points East Points East 3 taurant, where they discussed which “The government is still worried about training, Shi Lei could play a role as a Back to the Future proved to be essential for my research. Monotheism and Postmodernism at prayer should be uttered first: the one for religion and its negative effects,” said Xu tour guide, teacher of Hebrew, Israel etc. (continued from page 1) Nanjing University from June 14 -17, the rice or for the fish. Xin, director of the Institute of Jewish In truth, I was somewhat nervous how organised by the Diane and Guilford Studies at Nanjing University. “They Hochstadt noted that in 2008, $5,000 in becoming the first communal rabbi in my wife would react to Kaifeng. During Glazer Institute of Jewish Studies. Fol- “This is something that I, or most Jews worry it will affect stability and encour- museum seed money was given to Shi Kaifeng for over 150 years. In addition the time we lived in Beijing, she had lowing the symposium, I had the oppor- for that matter, would never have given age fundamentalism”… Lei from Shelly Ehrlich and that both SJI to meeting the students, I was invited to grown to love the cosmopolitan, cutting- tunity for a lengthy interview with the a second thought,” Freund said. “It shows and Kulanu have provided Shi Lei with the homes of several of the Kaifeng Jew- edge feel of that bustling city. In com- Institute’s director and one of the fore- how much they can add to Judaism.” Haas is a news assistant in The Los An- speaking tours in US, but nothing has ish families; at the home of the Li fam- parison, Kaifeng, despite its reputation most researchers on the Kaifeng Jews, geles Times’ Beijing bureau. resulted from these efforts as of yet. It ily, I was feted with a sumptuous veg- as the world’s most cosmopolitan city Professor Xu Xin. Xu Xin’s devotion to The first family of Kaifeng Jews to immi- was recommended that several SJI lead- etarian meal. They asked me many ques- when it served as the Song dynasty’s capi- promoting Jewish Studies in China had grate to Israel was almost sent back to ers, who are close to Shi Lei, talk with tions, including appropriate options for tal of Dongjing at the time the Jews ar- made an indelible impression on me fol- China. Shlomo and Deena Jin (no rela- Summary of SJI Board him about his work and potential role in some of the younger children who had rived about a thousand years ago, seems lowing our first meeting a decade before; tion to Yecholya Jin) had overstayed their Meeting, Berkeley, CA, Kaifeng, including his being hired as a not yet been given Hebrew forenames. to have been by-passed in much of the in many respects, that encounter was the tourist visas in 2005. As they faced de- teacher in the BHT school. Sunday, 26 June 2011 At that time, I was not yet aware of the frenetic development currently taking inspirational trigger for my pursuit of portation, Shavei Israel worked with au- emergent fissure in the community caused place in other major cities in China. The Asian Studies and Chinese language. thorities to allow them to stay after go- Laytner outlined SJI goals for Kaifeng: by suspicions of Christian missionizing, city has a decidedly old, depleted façade; ing through the conversion process. Present: · Pay teachers at BHT school so I was puzzled by the many questions behind this, however, is an ancient Our discussion cut across a wide range Shlomo, at the time in his late 40s, en- Anson Laytner, President · Support the BHT school that were asked regarding Christianity and charm and almost magical atmosphere of topics: the exclusion of Judaism as one dured a circumcision to complete the Steve Hochstadt, Treasurer · Attempt reconciliation between BHT the Jewish attitude towards Jesus. On reminiscent of a China in days gone by. of China’s officially recognized religions; conversion. Arnold Belzer, Vice-President and Shi Lei Friday late afternoon, following after- Thankfully, it was the latter that Batsheva, the changing governmental attitudes to- Andrea Lingenfelter, Secretary · Welcome more descendants into BHT noon classes in Hebrew, I joined the an ardent photographer, tuned into and wards religious expression in China; the More recent arrivals have been in their Wendy Abraham school community at the Yiselie School (Israel- that made our visit all the more special. bureaucratic hindrances to efforts to as- early 20s and most have felt more at home Seth Garz · Fund teachers’ salaries, payment upon ite School)—an unpretentious one-room sist the promotion of Kaifeng Jewish cul- in Israel than in Kaifeng. Eric Rothberg (new member of board) conclusion of course unit on the second-floor of an aging shop- Before departing from Perth, I had already ture; the personalities and issues behind ping centre—for their Friday night been made aware that circumstances in the current communal divisions; and the 1. Kaifeng Update Wang Yage said he stood out his whole 1. Kaifeng Update Other suggestions: Kiddush and a modest meal prepared by Kaifeng had changed dramatically since concept of creating a Jewish cultural cen- life. His house was filled with Hebrew A. Schools · Teaching Jewish knowledge, such as the congregants. I was asked to address my last visit. The seven young men, in- tre in Kaifeng, among numerous other books, a language no one in his family Beit HaTikvah (BHT): Eric Rothberg de- history (non-religious) the group and spoke to them about the cluding Ya’akov Wang, who had departed subjects. Professor Xu was optimistic that understood, and even his name was dif- cided to create a group comprised of · Endow a Chinese language Judaica li- incredible feat of preserving their cultural for ulpan on Kibbutz Sde Eliahu in Oc- attitudes towards religious expression ferent: It’s the transliterated version of people who could read Hebrew and had brary identity after centuries of isolation and tober 2009, had opted to remain in Is- were slowly changing for the better. He Jacob, a biblical name. a foundation in Jewish traditions and the opportunities that now presented rael and were now studying for conver- believed the exclusion of Judaism from holidays as an alternative to Yiceliye Abraham will be in Kaifeng later this year themselves to enrich that identity with sion at Yeshivat Hamivtar in Efrat. In my China’s officially acknowledged five re- After studying one year at Henan Uni- School and Timothy Lerner (a Messianic and will do fact-finding while there. both knowledge and practice. They were email correspondence with Guo Yan, ligions was simply because of the mi- versity in Kaifeng, the 25-year-old jumped Jew and founder of that school). Jewish very grateful for my words and hoped that whom I had asked to assist me in nuscule number of Jews in China at any C: Discussion of ways to foster at the opportunity to move to Israel. He practice and education are goals of the I would return to Kaifeng again in the organising video interviews and distrib- time, rather than an inherent discrimina- group identity among Kaifeng Jews: hasn’t looked back. new school. near future. uting the survey, she made it known to tion. He also believed, as did a few of As a way to set a communal standard for me that the community was now for- the other community members later in- “Jewishness”, Belzer proposed issuing “I feel Israel is my home and I’m more SJI and Rabbi Tokayer both are strong mally divided. Moreover, her role as my terviewed, that essentially two commu- certificates of membership in Kaifeng When I returned again to Kaifeng for the comfortable here,” said Wang, who now supporters of this school. It is more ac- second time in June 2011, the circum- “assistant” was provoking controversy. nities would develop in the near future, refers to himself as Yaakov. “Israelis help tive than the Yiciliye School and it uses Jewish community, which prompted much discussion without any action. stances, both personal and communal, Apparently, not wanting to lose face, a religious one comprised of converted you out when you need it; it’s like be- Skype for virtual lessons since it doesn’t were considerably different. First, as I had there were those who did not want the Kaifeng Jews residing in Israel, and a tra- longing to a big family.” currently have a teacher-in-residence. spent five months at BLCU in 2010, my community’s fragmentation to be made ditional community remaining in Kaifeng. Denise Bressler (a Jewish Chinese woman 2. Grants A. Types of Funding: communicative skills had improved. Sec- public. Furthermore, there was a general He was convinced that recognition of the After his conversion, Wang plans to be- originally from Taiwan) teaches remotely, The Board discussed the issue of annual ond, I was in Kaifeng for official field sense of antagonism towards the Jewish potential economic benefits in develop- come a rabbi to help Kaifeng Jews im- as do Eric and several others. They are grants as opposed to institutional sup- work for my Honours dissertation at the literacy survey, which was perceived as ing Kaifeng Jewish culture from the high- teaching Jewish prayers and songs, holi- migrate to Israel. If he succeeds, he will port. Grants are given and reviewed an- University of Western Australia. This the- a kind of “test” that would only expose est levels of the Party could ultimately days, English, and Hebrew reading. be the first Chinese rabbi in almost 200 nually, while institutional support is sis discusses the ways in which the Chi- the community to ridicule due to their set a process in motion that would filter years. ongoing. There is a tension between the nese policy of “openness and reform” has presumably inadequate level of knowl- down and speed up the lackadaisical Our hope: That the Kaifeng Jewish com- two objectives that remains unresolved. impacted on the Jewish culture of edge. My correspondence in Chinese to wheels of local bureaucracy. Despite this progress, bureaucracy in Is- munity can have an identity that tran- Should grantees’ be required to re-apply Kaifeng. Though many academics have assuage and explain these matters was rael and China may prevent larger-scale scends the divisions within it. annually or could their work be converted focused on the process of assimilation apparently counter-productive; instead, Before leaving Perth, I had an extensive immigration. According to Shavei Israel, into ongoing support. Currently, the that essentially hybridized Kaifeng’s Jew- after consulting with my supervisor, Pro- telephone interview with Michael the Israeli Ministry of the Interior has been Rothberg is working on a Chinese-He- Grants Committee handles annual pro- ish culture with the Confucian traditions fessor Gary Sigley, I decided to drop the Freund, founder and chairman of Shavei reluctant to give visas to a group not of- brew siddur (prayerbook). Belzer sug- posals from individuals (see below) while of its host, fewer have chosen to research survey and concentrate on interviewing Yisrael, the organisation that has been ficially considered Jewish by Israel’s chief gested that Chinese be used for prayers the Board handles on-going institutional the effect of Deng Xiaoping’s radical shift whoever was willing to do so. I did my instrumental in bringing a number of rabbinate. rather than Hebrew. support to Shanghai Institute…, Nanjing of 1978 on the Kaifeng descendants. My best to alleviate Guo Yan’s stress by Kaifeng Jews back to Israel, where they U and Henan U. initial plan was to distribute a survey that adopting a more fluid approach: no need have undergone conversion and received Meanwhile, because Jews are not among B. Shi Lei’s Group would measure Jewish literacy and to to get stressed, whatever would be, Israeli citizenship. Michael mentioned Garz noted that, regardless of the kind of China’s 56 officially recognized ethnic The Ai family left Shi Lei’s group for BHT. conduct personal interviews with a would be just fine. how his first Kaifeng Jewish contact was support, it is important to have groups groups and Judaism is not one of the five No teaching or observance appears to be dozen or so the community members. with Shi Lei, who had studied for a year report back on an annual basis and that officially recognized religions, the Chi- going on in Shi Lei’s group. Finally, my wife joined me for this trip, Prior to arriving in Kaifeng, I participated at Bar Ilan but opted to return to Kaifeng, continued funding be dependent on their nese government is suspicious of the and her skills with the camera and video in the International Symposium on where he works as a tour guide but also Kaifeng community’s efforts to organize. Given his educational background and accomplishments. 4 Points East Points East 13 conducts a small Jewish school and mu- once stood for seven centuries. Though home I had been a guest. I explained to Judaism is an important religion and it foreigners. A lot had changed since then, Then in 2005, Shavei Israel arrived. The seum. When Guo Yan first mentioned continually damaged or destroyed by the them in Chinese the topic of my thesis, is worth being recognized. We heard this and very fast. Today heavy fines are im- privately funded conservative religious the split in the community, I had pre- flooding of the Yellow River, over the and that I was happy to interview them answer for six years. At the time I be- posed on indecent behavior in the streets. organization, based in Jerusalem, specifi- sumed she was referring to Shi Lei’s ac- years the Kaifeng Jews made stupendous individually or in a group, however they came to understand that despite the po- There is more enforcement of the traffic cally targets descendants of Jews who tivities. While in Nanjing, however, I efforts to rebuild it and maintain a cen- felt most comfortable. Unfortunately, my liteness there is no intention of recog- laws, something that in the past was just have lost their connection to the religion, coincidentally received correspondence tre of Jewish ritual and tradition. In a short speech did not seem to convince nizing the religion of Israel, perhaps be- a suggestion. There are other indicators such as those forced to convert to Ca- from Eric Rothberg, which brought to my small room bordering the hospital, Guo them. After an uncomfortable silence, the cause of political considerations. Offi- that show that China is adopting more tholicism during the Inquisition in Spain. attention that a whole new dynamic had Yan lives with her grandmother, whose first question thrown at me was, “Are cials will not admit this, they will con- Western standards. But all is relative. been added to Kaifeng that I had not been husband hailed from the Zhao family, you Jewish?” I reminded them that I had tinue to smile and will do nothing.” There are still many strange things for a “Chinese have a strong reverence for an- previously aware of: the breakaway Beit one of the original seven Jewish clans. been involved in Jewish education for Westerner who live here and are not just cestry,” said Michael Freund, founder and HaTikvah School. The day before our jour- Guo Yan, though nominally a member most of my life, ten years of which as What kind of political consider- touring. “ chairman of Shavei Israel. “Even though ney to Kaifeng, I emailed Guo Yan to of the Yiselie School, is truly in a cat- director of Jewish Studies and school ations? they don’t know how to read the Torah, see if she were able to organise a visit to egory of her own. Bedecked in a spar- rabbi in Australia. It was only when I “The Chinese government looks at re- What is the most difficult for you? they know they’re Jewish.” the new school. kling tiara, star-of-David earrings and started conversing in Hebrew, however, quest for religious recognition globally. “Loneliness. You feel like you are on a necklace, and a sash over her neckline that the ice began to melt, and whatever If they allow Judaism to operate in different planet. This feeling causes So far the organization has helped 14 After arriving by train and then checking embroidered with the Shma Yisrael, she suspicions they had entertained finally China, then other religions, including young Jews and Israelis who are visiting Jews, out of an estimated 3,000 who live into our hotel on the outskirts of the city, embodies the persistent spirit of the vanished. Islam and Christianity, will claim reli- here to come to us for some homeliness. in Kaifeng, move to Israel. But Freund I phoned Guo Yan, who confirmed that Kaifeng Jews. In the past year, she has gious discrimination. After all, every- A foreigner in China does not have con- complained that Israel’s bureaucratic and the following day I would be interview- altered the large sign in front of her home What marked the group interview that one wants to work with 400 million tact with local Chinese and even if they religious red tape has prevented Shavei ing her, her grandmother and the mother to indicate that it is the site of a “syna- followed was the unanimity of agreement Chinese. So it is better not to even ad- did, they would not understand anything. Israel from bringing over more of these of Ya’akov Wang. She had also arranged gogue” rather than a “cultural centre”. on a number of issues. Since the 1978 dress this problem, and they just ignore This is an exciting phenomenon that is Chinese Jews. a visit with the Beit HaTikvah group, Although she has been questioned a few “openness and reform” they finally had us. They are quite polite about this but at the expense of privacy. Young people who apparently preferred first to meet me times by the Chinese authorities about the opportunity to learn about Jewish we know that for all practical purposes, start to look anew into their Jewish iden- Because the community intermarried and and then decide whether or not they her activities, fearless and feisty, she of- religion and culture, their interaction nothing will change. Everyone who tity and they get to us. By the way…we based Jewishness on patrilineal heritage wanted to be interviewed individually or ten ends up turning the tables and ques- with Jews and Israelis had increased ex- comes to China must know that the gov- encourage Israelis to take part in humani- rather than matrilineal, the norm in Ju- as a group. After speaking with Guo Yan, tioning the officials about their ques- ponentially and their sense of Jewish ernment is very protective of its order and tarian activities. For example when there daism, Kaifeng Jews who want to move I phoned Shi Lei, who was out of town tions! She believes that going public, es- identity had become more palpable and they do not want new ideas to capture was an earthquake in Sichuan, Chabad to Israel need to undergo Orthodox con- conducting a tour and was not due back pecially in China’s new era of “open- public. All were disappointed at the the imagination of the Chinese people.” encouraged people to go and help the versions under Israeli law. in Kaifeng for several weeks. Nonethe- ness”, is a far safer bet than functioning stance of Israel’s Interior Ministry and the victims. “ less, he agreed to be interviewed by in secrecy. A strong proponent of resur- Rabbinate at their non-Jewish status. Is China coming closer to the The process takes a year or more of study phone. Articulate and well-educated, Shi recting the hybridized Chinese-Jewish None of them could recall any incident West? Do you expect that China will be- at an Orthodox yeshiva, and requires a Lei explained his reluctance several years culture unique to Kaifeng, she is very of hostility or persecution from their Han As a result of the increasing number of come the next place of Jewish - final examination before a rabbinical ago to accept Israeli citizenship and un- emotional when discussing the exclusion or Hui Muslim neighbours. None of them Jews and Israelis in China in the last few Israeli immigrationimmigration? court. dergo conversion: he did not want to be of Kaifeng Jews under Israel’s Law of believed there was any contradiction be- years, Rabbi Greenberg has had to inter- “Despite the fact that Jews are attracted the first to do so and felt it more impor- Return and the criteria of the Israeli rab- tween traditional Chinese culture and vene for those who got in trouble with to places with opportunities, the huge Jin was brought to Israel with three oth- tant to return to Kaifeng and educate the binate. She regularly entertains tourists Judaism. After the interviews, they local authorities. “People come here, they hiatus between the two cultures will pre- ers from her hometown by Shavei Israel community in the authentic forms of Ju- both at her grandmother’s and at the wanted to sing a few traditional Jewish do not understand China and make stu- vent mass settlement in China. In addi- specifically to begin the conversion pro- daism he had experienced during his time museum of artefacts she and her husband, songs, which we recorded, along with pid mistakes,” he said sadly. “In order tion, the government is not interested in cess. Once converted, she was eligible in Israel. He felt this was of importance, a Han Chinese, have put together in a Hebrew and Chinese renditions of to help a stupid person you need a good such a move and it limits the foreigners to remain in Israel under the country’s since he claimed that the founder of the house in the rural suburbs of Kaifeng. HaTikvah. Before leaving, I tried deliv- lawyer and provide him with a lot of to several isolated cities. But gradually Law of Return. The statute allows Jews original Yiselie School, Tim Lerner, More than the museum, her ultimate ering a pep talk to explain why, despite money to bribe the right people. Even the dripping of migrating Jews will turn to claim citizenship, which she did along harboured Messianic tendencies. When goal, which she would prefer to realise the split into two or three schools, it was then one needs to know who is hurt and into a stream and the Jews will migrate with her three Chinese classmates. Jin’s I countered that during my previous visit with the help of the Chinese government, important for the community’s develop- who is behind the complaint. Once, I to the east, this time to the Far East.” father remains in China, although she I had seen no evidence of any Messianic is the rebuilding of a replica of the an- ment to establish a unified front, possi- was accompanied by the Deputy Foreign said he hopes to join her soon. literature or Christian indoctrination, he cient synagogue, which could function bly in the form of a committee comprised Minister, a person with high status, to assured me that his claim was accurate. both as a tourist attraction and a cohe- of each faction. Although they nodded save an Israeli. Lately, I have been in Kaifeng Jews Flourish in At first, Jin and others were indignant The more recent establishment of the Beit sive magnet for the local community of in agreement and had undoubtedly heard contact with local officials who know about the need to formally convert to HaTikvah School with the help of Eric descendants. this advice before, it seemed apparent that me. Sometimes they can solve the prob- Israel Judaism. Rothberg, who had been teaching the such an ideal could not be realised in lem before it gets out of hand. I advise by Benjamin Haas community during his year at Henan Following the interviews at her home, the immediate future without some form those who come to China to accept the excerpted from the Los Angeles Times, “According to me and my family, we were University, was also a reaction to puta- we took a taxi together to the Beit of prolonged external mediation. differences between China and the West 16 October 2011 always Jewish,” she said. “I was confused tive Messianic underpinnings at the HaTikvah. Located on the fourth floor of and be aware of the sensitivity of the why we needed to go through the con- Yiselie School. Nonetheless, Shi Lei was an apartment block opposite the Before leaving, they invited me to attend authorities, and simply not to make stu- As a child growing up in Kaifeng in cen- version process.” critical of the fact that only a month af- Children’s Hospital, I was also pleasantly their Kabbalat Shabbat service on Friday pid mistakes”. tral China, Jin Jin [Yecholya] was con- ter founding Beit HaTikvah, Rothberg had surprised to discover a large plaque out- evening. I apologised and explained that stantly reminded of her unusual heri- But after she started studying in Jerusa- returned to the U.S., leaving the mem- side the Beit HaTikvah boldly announc- I had already agreed to attend the Kiddush But it is said that China is coming tage... lem, Jin said, she realized how little she bers to flounder on their own and un- ing its existence as a Jewish school. Since at the Yisilie School on Friday night. They closer to the West? knew of Jewish traditions and rules. necessarily dividing the small commu- the meeting was arranged for 11 am on a were not happy with that response, and “That is true. Ten years ago, when I ar- Her father told her of a faraway land nity. workday, not all of the members were a heated exchange in Kaifeng dialect be- rived to Shanghai, people used to do their called Israel that he said was her rightful Jin eventually became such an expert in able to attend, but around a dozen did tween Guo Yan and the Beit-HaTikvah “things” in the street, and I am talking home, she recalls. But “we didn’t know prayers before meals, Freund said, that plis The next morning we took a taxi to the manage to turn up. Almost all were fa- members followed. The result was a com- about a city that in the past was under anything about daily prayers or the weekly she stumped him at a dinner with other Teaching of the Torah Lane, adjacent to miliar faces from the previous visit two promise solution presented as fait accom- the control of the West and a history with reading of the Torah”… Jews from Kaifeng at a kosher sushi res- the hospital where the Kaifeng synagogue years prior, including a few in whose : the Beit HaTikvah would push for- 12 Points East Points East 5 tomatically lean towards the stronger side It turned out that after the container was plying them. The community has in- ward its schedule to begin Kabbalat no sign outside the windowless room of learning via Skype and anticipating fu- and rule in that favor. Lack of justice? unloaded from the ship, no one thought creased in the last few years and I brought Shabbat early at 6pm. I would attend one the Yisilie School; rather, the entrance was ture Jewish student volunteers from the Perhaps. The Chinese do not seek jus- of putting it in the freezer. It was left on my brother here to help me. He opened hour of services at the Beit HaTikvah draped across with a white curtain to university. The women taught Batsheva tice, they look for industrial peace, and the wharf despite the fact that there were another Chabad House in another part School and leave before 7 to attend the ensure privacy. Though we arrived only a how to make biaozi (Chinese dumplings), in their eyes that is justice. This peace is signs saying that it had to be refrigerated. of the city. Kiddush at the Yiselie School. few minutes after seven, Kiddush had al- and, in return, Batsheva taught them how the religion of the Chinese govern- This is one of those situations when you ready been recited and the meal had be- to braid challah, a technique which they ment…” do not know whether to laugh or cry. How do you explain this success? On Friday morning I decided to visit the gun. Although there was still ample time mastered with great dexterity. We thor- My wife and I stood by the container and The Chinese appreciate teachers because Kaifeng Museum and check out the two before sunset, I had been instructed not oughly enjoyed the delectable lunch and This characterizes the Communist started to laugh. Tears would not help, in their eyes they teach to be successful stelae that adorned the original Kaifeng to take any photos or videos. With the the warm, friendly atmosphere; the meal synagogue. Although the admission to regime? then at least we laughed, otherwise it is in life and I am here as a teacher. The seven young men departed for Israel, the was concluded with several of the group’s the museum is free, foreigners can pay “They are not necessarily connected. impossible to stay sane in China.” Chinese also appreciate the Jews because congregation was now considerable favourite Hebrew songs. Before leaving, an extra 50 yuan ($US 8) to see the stone Beijing recognizes five religions that are they are convinced that our people con- smaller and older than during my previ- we signed our well-wishes into the tablets kept locked away on the top floor. legitimate in [the Chinese] eyes; one of Did you cancel the Rosh Hashanah trol the world finances, and they like ous visit. Tim Lerner, the virtual founder school’s Guest Book, which we had not them is Buddhism… One of the strictest feast? money and its influence. Therefore, ev- After unlocking the door, the female curator led me up a flight of dusty stairs of the school who has unstintingly de- had time to do with our hasty departure prohibitions in Buddhism, for example, “Obviously not. The Hong Kong rabbi ery Israeli businessman is appreciated voted himself to the community and has on Friday afternoon. is to take the life of a live animal, even came to our rescue and we also moved here, [but]even more appreciated are Is- to the stiflingly hot room where the ste- been instrumental in coordinating their killing a fly. This restriction is enforced our Jewish hinds. Thanks God, that Rosh raeli teachers. When I presented myself, lae are exhibited in glass cases. Arguably immigration to Israel, sat at the head of When I began my research for my thesis, in India, so you will find many restau- Hashanah we hosted seventy people.” the first reaction from the Chinese was the most impressive relics in the museum, the table. I sat next to him, using the I was convinced that China’s policy of rants where, because they are vegetarian, great respect. I was supposed to be some despite the erasure of most of the Chi- occasion to ask him a number of ques- opening would provide the community Jews can eat. In China there are millions After the holidays, Rabbi Greenberg sort of monetary guru. And then they nese characters, I asked my guide why of Buddhists, but there are no vegetarian wanted to clarify as to who was respon- found out that I do not teach how to make she thought these stones were hidden tions. with the tools for its revitalization. While restaurants. When I asked Chinese Bud- sible for the misunderstanding and he money, instead I teach spirituality, and from the view of the Chinese public. it has indeed done so, it has also con- dhists how they can explain this, the revealed again the Chinese culture is com- that confused them. They do not have Somewhat embarrassed, she answered It became apparent in our conversation fronted them with multiple influences answer was elusive, or they said that pletely different from any Western cul- respect for spirituality. At this stage most that she did not know why. I surmised that Tim adheres to a broader, more het- and dichotomies that have divided a once ‘only the extreme fanatics do not eat ture that he knows. “The harbor man- would leave me alone, only a small mi- that perhaps such an exhibit would be erodox interpretation of Judaism. When united community. While this is an al- meat.’” ager admitted to me that whatever hap- nority understood that there was some- seen by Chinese tourists as an questioning him about the allegations most inevitable feature of any normative pened was not right, but when I asked thing more important than money.” acknowledgement of a Jewish ethnicity that the school was being funded by Hong Jewish community (as some have jested, Another example: It does not bother a who was to blame, it turned out that in China, a perception the government Kong missionaries, he made no bones it even attests to the community’s Chinese family that the father is Chris- nobody was to blame. Everybody agreed In a world that that is antagonist against would be keen to prevent. During the about the fact that Christian groups in- “Jewishness”), it can also be an impedi- tian, the mother is Buddhist and the chil- that we were right, but they also said that the Jews in general and against the Israe- taxi ride to Beit HaTikvah later on in the deed contributed—though not exclu- ment to its future growth and develop- dren are pagans. This does not create what happened has nothing to do with lis in particular, China is sort of oasis. day, I discussed this with Guo Yan. She sively—to the school’s funding. He saw ment. Whereas the Yisilie School func- conflict. I have met such families. When them. We were stuck with a lot of ex- When I [the Hazofe writer] asked Sha- believed that the concealment of this nothing wrong with that; likewise, he had tions as a social milieu that allows com- you ask them how they get along, they cuses and nobody at fault. First I thought lom Greenberg what was the reaction of exhibit—as well as the one in Qingming no control over the contributors to the munal interaction, Beit HaTikvah has do not understand you. From their point that is because I was new and in a few the Chinese to Western stereotypes to the Millennium Park—was a holdover from school’s charity box, many of whom were taken further steps in acquiring deeper of view, faith is like being soccer fan, years I would understand what happened likes the Elders of Zion, he said: “China the days of Mao, when China had no non-Jewish tourists. He felt that the rea- roots in traditional Jewish liturgy and one is a fan of one tem the other of an- here. And here we are ten years later in also has translated anti-Semitic literature relations with Israel and were careful to sons for the division stemmed more from culture. Meanwhile, Guo Yan resolutely other team, and they live peacefully. In 2008 and I still do not understand the that portrayed the Jews as dangerous to cultivate strong relations in the Arab a conflict of personalities than actual is- conducts her one-woman show to recre- China faith does not harm and it does Chinese dynamics. Between us, I gave the world, but instead of causing them world. She agreed that a centralised ex- sues. During the meal, he bantered affec- ate a Jewish-Chinese cultural synthesis not oblige. The only thing that people up hope to understand. to hate the Jews, it caused them to ad- hibit of all the relics of Kaifeng’s Jewish tionately in colloquial Chinese with his in Kaifeng, while Shi Lei, through the adhere here is to Confucianism—but that mire us. The say ‘if you have so much history could have potential as a tourist flock; whatever the criticisms against it, travel agency for which he works, trans- is not religion, it is a way of life.” There is anti-Semitic material even success to influence the world, it is a attraction, particularly if these were in- the Yisilie School was still serving the mits the community’s history to a grow- in China? sign that you have some knowledge that tegrated into a vibrant community cen- function of a social matrix, where the ing number of Jewish and non-Jewish Shalom Greenberg and his wife started is worth learning.’ This is the way of life tre. descendants had the opportunity to com- tourists. How all of these strands will They are never to blame? their Shanghai adventure one year after in China, this is how they see the world. Jews in China have to cope with diffi- they got married. He is an Israeli citizen There are Chinese who want to study munally express their sense of Jewish converge together is extremely tentative, The Kabbalat Shabbat service at Beit cult problems that derive from the fact while his wife is an American. They have Judaism and some want to convert, but identity. Tim mentioned that for last year’s as this convergence hinges on so many HaTikvah was very impressive. Led by that they are Jews. The laws of kashrut, four children, two sons and two daugh- we direct them to Hong Kong or Austra- Passover Seder, close to 100 participants external political, social and economic Gao Chao as the chazzan, apart from a for example. “Two weeks before Rosh ters, the oldest son is nine and the young- lia. It is forbidden to talk to these people had attended. factors. In whatever way this intriguing few prayers recited in Chinese transla- Hashanah, we tried to bring in a ship- est daughter is three. This is how it works in Shanghai and obviously it is forbid- narrative of this unique community ment of kosher meat to the port of Shang- in Chabad: you get married and then they den to convert them.” tion, most of the service was ardently When Shabbat ended, I found there was moves forward, however, the determina- hai. The intent was to host Jewish people send you on a mission. Yet they had pre- chanted using traditional Shabbat melo- an email from the Beit HaTikvah group, tion, resilience and courage that main- in the city for the holidays as is the cus- pared and taught us about China, and Despite all the fascination with the Jews, dies. Several of the congregants used inviting my wife and me to come to a tained their Jewish identity for over a tom of Chabad in the world. The ship- we thought that we knew quite a lot about Judaism is not one of the recognized re- Hebrew siddurim, while some relied on vegetarian lunch at the school the follow- thousand years continue to flourish to- ment was delayed in the port. I turned to China. Only after we arrived we realized ligions in Beijing. The Chabad turned to transliterations. At ten to seven, Guo Yan ing day. The group proudly showed me day. the authorities with the request to release that if one does not know China from the local Chinese authorities about six signalled us that it was time to leave. their library, computer systems and nu- the meat in time. After three days we got inside, one cannot know how different years ago to recognize Judaism as a reli- Although the congregation had just sung merous CD’s for learning Hebrew. Gao Moshe Y Bernstein, involved in Jewish edu- an answer telling us that the shipment is from the Israeli or American views. gion with the assurance that we have no “V’shamru” and were nearly at the end Chao frequents a Youtube site for Hasidic cation in Israel and Australia for over 25 was ready to be picked up. Obviously I intention of converting any Chinese. “We of the service, Guo Yan was insistent that melodies which he studies meticulously. years, recently completed a BA in Manda- was glad and we sent out invitations to Why is there a need for a Jewish also promised to obey all the limitations we had to leave right away to be on time At present, Wang Jiaxin, a teenager who rin Chinese and is currently writing an Asian the guests. Then we went and opened community in China? imposed by them. The officials listened for the Kiddush at the old school. spent a year studying at Yemin Orde in Studies Honours dissertation at the Univer- the containers and our eyes saw black, “There is a large community here that to the request and they were very polite. Israel, is the official Hebrew teacher, but sity of Western Australia. He may be reached the meat had spoiled. needs a lot of services, and we are sup- They said that they do not doubt that As it was in my previous visit, there was the group is trying to organise some online at: [email protected]. 6 Points East Points East 11 Trends in Immigration lived in other Eastern Seaboard cities, like hai had dispersed. Mainland China had Or, as Robert Lawrence Kuhn, the au- enumerate 5-6 impressions, the most Rabbi Shalom Greenberg, Chabad repre- thor of “The Man who Changed China: (continued from page 1) Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Suzhou, no Jewish community left. But after the common words were: “friendly”, “safe” sentative in China, reminiscences on the Nanjing, Kangzhou, Fuzhou, and Xiamen. 1990’s, more and more Jews came to live The Life and Legacy of Jiang Zemin,” “old culture” “change” etc. The safe first days of the local Chabad House…: expressed it: “China is a nation that un- “Those days the Chinese did not know lishment of diplomatic relations between Currently, the number of Jews has been in China and they established new com- conditions in Shanghai and other cities derwent enormous changes and “enjoys what Judaism is and they thought that China and Israel and the exchange of dip- increasing steadily in each place. Accord- munities in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, received good criticism. previously unknown freedom”. She we wanted to convert them. Today they lomats in 1992, entrepreneurs and schol- ing to the Shanghai community director, Guangzhou etc. Because of the lack of [China] was unfairly treated and now her understand that it is not like that”. ars came to China. The number of Israe- Mao Duansi, four Jewish families come anti-Semitism in China, these commu- But the answers [in the survey] high- economy is growing rapidly, she has lis who came to China increased steadily to Shanghai every week. Most of them nities mutually benefited from the Chi- lighted some problems that need to be started to conform to international rules resolved in the large cities in China. Initially, as beginnings go, it was not easy. compared to the Jews from other places. come from the US and Israel, fewer from nese friendship and the government. and conventions.” He [Kuhn] is eyewit- After the government people threatened Then a new period had started and the Europe, Australia and Canada. Accord- Consequently their presence expanded Foremost is pollution (including air and ness to China’s development and is Rabbi Greenberg, one of the Chasids said number of Jews in China increased rap- ing to our information from the Shang- rapidly. noise); next is transportation (including deeply concerned about her long-term drivers—on rainy days cars are unattain- that they [Chabad] had no intention to idly. This was the beginning of the third hai Jewish registry, there are also Jews prospects. He [Kuhn] is an American Jew leave and they are ready to stand trial. wave. Two reasons: one was the rapid from South Africa, Mexico and Turkey. The B’nai Yisrael in Shanghai was estab- able); crowding and problems with city who is confident in his friendship with “They [the Chinese] were sure that we development of China and both coun- Among these Jews some are with dual lished in 1998, with about 200 mem- people (including spitting, not obeying China. He is also a famous international traffic laws, dress, speaking loudly in would pack up and leave”, he said. They tries joined the World Trade Organiza- citizenship, like US-Israel, France-Israel, bers from 15 countries. Set up at Beijing th investment banker and industrialist and, asked me if I knew what a trial was in tion. The other reason was that after 9/ and England-Israel. Street #1277, 19 floor, its Chairman was public); then there is a lack of appropri- in addition, a TV broadcaster. His view China and if I understood the severity of 11 international terrorism was rampant. Elan Oved, President Albert Sassoon, ate/adequate entertainment places for is that the brilliant success of the Chi- foreigners; medical insurance and medi- the charges. I was not impressed, and told Obviously, many countries in the world As far as visitors, service people or ex- Vice Presidents Jonathan Eisenberg and nese economy is the second change. The them that this trial would turn into an were unsafe, and in contrast, China was change programs and others who come Seth Kaplan. In August of that year, Rabbi cal care is difficult to obtain; not enough first change, and the most important one, international media event. The first rabbi safe and prospering. With this wave, the for shorter period of time, the number of Shalom Greenberg and his wife Dina signs in English; beggars, etc. In addi- is the [open] spirit and the mind of the tion, the Shanghai rabbi expressed his in 50 years to come to China since WWII Jewish population of Shanghai increased Jews is hard to estimate. Like in Beijing came to Shanghai. The residing Rabbi Chinese people, their opinions and and he was arrested and stood for trial.” faster than in Beijing or other places. there are 20,000-30,000 Jewish visitors became the spiritual leader of the com- hope to hold regular religious services in or businessmen. According to the Jew- munity. In 2002, the B’nei Yisrael Con- views, and their faith in their country and the [Ohel Moshe] synagogue. He thinks its people. They are marching towards that this will attract even more Jews to The answer made the Chinese see a de- Available material about the Jews living ish Community Center of Shanghai and gregation moved to Hong Qiao Street # the world stage expressing that kind of termined person in front of them who in China is very limited and statistics is some travel agencies, the number of tour- 1720, with a beautiful garden. The Chair- come to live in Shanghai. enthusiasm, in addition to their indi- might cause them troubles. They prob- extremely difficult to gather. Apart from ists and short-term visitors has reached man now is a French businessman, vidual freedom. About the authors: Pan Guang is Dean ably went to consult their superiors in those Jews coming from Israel, Jews from 50,000 a year. Maurice Ohana, and its membership is the Party, and after a while they came other countries are affiliated with their over 500. Recently the community set of China Jewish Studies Shanghai (CJSS); Many Jews who come to China have a back and said that from their point of country and they come not as Jews. The The Jews come to China today for three up a new activity center at Pudong Street Wang Jian is Associate Dean of CJSS; and keen interest in Chinese culture. They view, I do not exist as long as no Chi- experiences and lessons the Jews have reasons: trade, work and study. They #1168, lead by Avraham Greenberg and Wang Shuming is Assistant Professor & hope to retain/preserve their own tradi- nese was involved; and that we were not learned from living in different places is come mainly for trade and for economic his wife Nechamie. Most of the mem- Deputy Secretary-General of CJSS. tion and culture and at the same time to build an official synagogue; and not that they do not want to be either dis- reasons to Shenzhen and Guangzhou. bers are from the Pudong area. Besides make efforts to understand and enjoy the to operate from an official site, only from criminated against or rejected or singled Since Shenzhen and Guangzhou are not offering “kosher” food, and providing Chinese culture, make friends with Chi- a private lodging. They added that “any out as Jews. Therefore the Jews in China political and cultural centers in China, services for Jews at holidays, the center nese people and [live] in mutual har- How the Chabad Began in Chinese who shall be in contact with us are sensitive and resist being the target Jews travel between Hong Kong and also serves as a companion to the Israeli mony. Many people make an effort to China will have serious problems.” of a survey about their activities. The Shenzhen and Guangzhou. In contrast, Consulate. China study Chinese, like the wife of Rabbi original [material for] this survey comes the number of scholars and foreign stu- excerpted from Hazofe, Oct/Nov 2009 Freunlich, who is fluent in Chinese, What brought you to China? from reports and interviews from leaders dents is higher in Beijing because there The Kehillat Beijing was established in translated from Hebrew “The opening up to the West and the of Jewish communities and the Israeli is a high concentration of embassies and 1995 in Xinyuan Nanli #6, and belongs while the Rabbi’s Chinese is fairly proper. by Tiberiu Weisz rapid economic development. Today Consulate. higher educational schools. Shanghai is to the Reform/Reconstructionist Jewish In Shanghai, Maurice Ohana’s two positioned in between, more traders than movement of “World Union for Progres- daughters enrolled in Fudan University [Interview with the Hazofe corre- there are not only businessmen but also Jewish families and students who come Analyzing the material mentioned: ini- in Beijing but less than in Shenzhen and sive Judaism”. Earlier, in the 1980’s, [it to study Chinese and his wife has a keen spondentspondent] to study and there are also Jews who tially the Jews concentrated in economic Guangzhou. But there are fewer diplo- began with] some Jews congregating regu- interest in Chinese culture. She is study- married to Chinese, they are Chinese citi- and developing cities in the Eastern Sea- mats, scholars and foreign students [in larly in addition to the holidays, and Elyse ing the tea ceremony, Chinese medicine “We arrived to Shanghai and started the zens.” board of China. There were about 8,000- Shanghai] than in Beijing but more than Silverberg and Roberta Lipson established and massage. Maurice is interested in preparations for the opening of the 9,000 people and those who worked in in Shenzhen and Guangzhou. a community where they became the Sizhuan vegetable dishes and he likes Chabad House”. Not any different from What are the Chinese afraid of? China stayed for longer periods of time. leaders. Silverberg was an exchange stu- spring rolls and dumplings. other places here. We also publicized 2. Jews and Jewish communities Why did they limit your involve- Their distribution is [now] as follows: The 2. Jews and Jewish communities dent in 1979 in Beijing, then she mar- our presence to the Jewish business in Shanghai, Beijing etcetc. Today ried a Chinese businessman and they ment? Jewish population of Hong Kong is From the answers to our survey, we have people and also established contact with Traditionally, Jews are scattered all over opened their medical instrument business the Israeli Consulate. One evening, al- “The government wants industrial peace 5,000-6,000 people, but only 3,000- also learned that the Jews have a special and they are not ready to allow other 4,000 are community members. Shang- the world but they congregate naturally and home-based hospital. It can be said most as a surprise, several Chinese came in communities where they are able to affection towards the Great Wall and ideas to endanger this quintessence. I will hai: in 1998 there were 200 Jews, and in the she connected with China and be- to the new house and identified them- practice their religion, culture, education other famous Chinese historical sites. give you an example of the Chinese le- 2002 it increased to 500, 1,000 in 2005 came the leader of a stable community. selves as senior officers of the Chinese and live together. She said: “We live in a strange place Some more than 100 Orthodox Jews in gal system. In the Western legal system and to 1,500 in 2006. Shenzhen security forces. “You have two possibili- and keep busy during the week but want Beijing celebrated Shabbat at the Great in general, and in Judaism in particular, (Guanzhou) there are about 1,000 Jews. ties,” they said in a threatening way to The world Jewry can be divided into to integrate/interact with the surround- Wall. In the Shanghai survey, about ¾ the search for the truth is the height of In Beijing, in 1998 there were 200 Jews our face. “You either leave the country Orthodox, Conservative and Reform ing environment. Consequently we feel of the respondents indicated they have a the legal system. ‘What really happened’ (mostly from the US) in 2005 it increased within 24 hours or you will be put be- movements and within each movement that there is a strong need to unite with good Chinese friend and some have mar- – they call witnesses, investigate and to 1,000 (mostly from the US, Israel, fore a Chinese court.” “On what there are smaller religious branches. As Jews for Shabbat and Yom Kippur/holi- ried Chinese women. Most [surveyed] charges?” we asked dumbfounded. “You bring evidence. In China what really Azerbaijan, Russia and Europe). In the was earlier mentioned, the Jews began days. She established the community, indicated that they like the rich variety will be charged with disturbing the pub- happened is not relevant. When a dis- cities of Taibei and Gaoxiung in Taiwan leaving China after 1945, their number with a Jewish temple, but she could not of Chinese foods. Their impression of lic order and with missionary work”, they pute between two sides arises about there are 150 Jews (50 households). In decreased gradually and by 1966-67, the offer “kosher” food though she offered China is largely positive. When asked to said. property or finance, the judges will au- addition, there are Jewish merchants who Jewish communities of Harbin and Shang- formal religious [services] and education. 10 Points East Points East 7 In addition there are some young Jews On the one hand they organized activi- wards contemporary Orthodox Judaism. Since she had a close relationship with the evening celebration at the Israeli This year we celebrated the 14th anni- who find the China market attractive. ties within the community, like organized The school has a very energetic princi- the Hong Kong United Jewish Commu- Embassy. Lipson, the leader of the non- versary of the establishment of relations They look at China as an opportunity, traditional and cultural activities, includ- pal, a teachers union, and scholarship and nity, she often received support from Orthodox community said “even if both between China and Israel that were es- especially for those who lost their jobs ing Hebrew lessons. For example, in operating funds. them. The community used the branches would celebrate the most im- tablished in 1992, for which the Hong or simply cannot climb any higher in Is- Beijing they set up Ahavat Yitzchak Sun- Reconstructionist prayer books. Accord- portant holidays together just for the sake Kong Jews had taken credit. Most of rael. Avrum Ehrich, PhD., an Israeli who day School for children age 5-12. Every The Shanghai community established the ing to the 1998 records, [the community] of the Beijing Jewish community, the the Jews in Hong Kong today are those worked for Bar Ilan University, came to weekend they attend Hebrew language Shanghai International Jewish School. It consisted of about 200 members, most parties disagree on faith and [religious] who came to China in the early 1980’s China in 2004 to look for a teaching job. classes and every Wednesday the Rabbi is comprised of the Kid Zone (3-5 years came from the US and were of different practice. “ to participate in the Reform and Open- He was eventually hired as professor by taught an advanced religion class for old), Youth Club (6-9 years old), Club denominations. It is estimated that its ing-up. According to the 1989 data on the Religious Department at the Shandong adults for an hour starting at 8 PM. In Ed (10-13 years old), and Teen Club (14- members have not exceeded this num- In Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, foreigners, 63.8% of the Jewish popula- University. Professor Ben Canaan of the addition they had Bar and Bat Mitzvah 16 years old). These four age groups have ber. the leaders and rabbis belong to the Or- tion in Hong Kong had lived there for 10 Hei Longjiang University became the only classes for children and a one-on-one different curricula. The school has their thodox Lubavitch branch, so there is no years and only 14.1% lived there for 20 permanent [Jewish?] resident in Harbin session on Judaism. The Shanghai com- own libraries with book collections on In August 2001, the Lubavitch Rabbi similar conflict to the one in Beijing. years. Another statistic from the same year after the Reform and Opening-up. munity curriculum had a list of topics religion, Jewish history, and literature. Shimon Freunlich and his wife arrived Nevertheless, there are many non-Ortho- showed that over 70% of the Jews were such as “A Cup of Torah for Women” and they transformed the structure of the dox Jews who do not like the nit-pickiness Ashkenazi, which meant the Sephardic Moreover, changes occurred in the pro- studies, and “The Role of Women in The Beijing community has also estab- community. Shimon and his wife came of the Lubavitch and they do not attend Jewish population had declined signifi- fessions of Jews coming to China. Ini- Contemporary Society”. They meet once lished its own school. It was an interna- from the Lubavitch Center in Hong Kong their services. Instead they go their own cantly. Even the religious liturgy and ritu- tially they were businessmen, now they a week in the evening at Xingbake cof- tional school for early education to el- and they brought with them the nitpick- ways or they attend events at the cultural als at Ohel Leah synagogue [the old are more likely to be managing depart- feehouse and organized a “Lunch Learn ementary school serving the entire Jew- ing Lubavitch rules. They strictly observed centers but do not attend religious ser- Sephardic synagogue] adopted the ments and middle level managers. Like Study Group” that meets every Tuesday ish population of Beijing and [it is an] the Jewish dietary laws and they invited vices. Ashkenazi tradition to reflect the chang- former Israeli foreign service officer in between 12:15-1 PM at Shanghai unique Jewish school in Northern China. Orthodox ritual slaughterers from Aus- ing membership. charge of foreign studies, Arie Schreier, Dongfang Community Center. In classes The curriculum includes: Mommy & Me tralia and other places, who went to In- 3. The Jewish Communities of who moved to China with his wife and on the Tanya, they studied the literature for 1 year olds and that meets once a ner Mongolia to slaughter animals and Hong Kong and Taiwan After 1978, the Hong Kong Jewish com- works for a private foreign brokerage firm. of the Orthodox [i.e. Hasidic] tradition; week for the children with their the moth- birds to serve kosher meat in Beijing and munity developed quickly and benefited Or like Lanzeji [Yancy?], a graduate of [offered] Hebrew lessons for children ages ers; nursery school for 3 year olds, that Shanghai. He also instituted [traditional] Under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, from the reforms and opening up of Tel Aviv University, in East Asian Stud- 2-10, and the most important topic in meets every day from Sunday to Thurs- observance of Shabbat and the holidays, China walked on the road to reform and China, and from the improved relations ies. After graduating, he came to Shang- adult education was Jewish philosophy day afternoon; the all day kindergarten and offered educational services in opening up. The Jews of Hong Kong were with the West and Israel. The hai and works for a law firm. As a result and mysticism. for 3-6 year olds; the lower elementary Beijing. delighted and encouraged, they positively community’s fortunes were tied to the of the expansion of the service industry for 1-3 grades; and upper elementary for supported, and participated in, the tide development of China. in China, there are quite a few Jews ex- In Hong Kong, each community had their 4-5 grades. The Jewish Communities of Shenzhen that swept China’s Reform and Opening- perienced in foreign affairs who look for own curriculum. The Conservative and and Guangzhou are branches of the Hong up. In 1978, Lawrence Khadoorie visited In the 1990’s, the Hong Kong Jewish opportunities in China. Reform movement organized Shabbat 6. Jewish views and impressions Kong Community Center. The China after a long 30-year absence. After community started a new plan of devel- [observances], and Torah studies and es- of China Guangzhou center was established in he returned, he wrote:” I can gladly say opment, including renovation of the To return to the survey of Jews in Shang- tablished the religious school (Shorashim) 2003 during the spread of SARS and it that the relationship between the Chi- Ohel Leah synagogue, the building of a hai, we discovered that most of them are for early education to middle school chil- Many Westerners come to China with was led by Rabbi Eli Rozenberg. The nese government and us is very good. new cultural center, expanding and build- “satisfied” or “very satisfied “ with their dren, and special Jewish education preconceived notions and opinions, of- Shenzhen Community center was estab- They know that we are generous by na- ing new schools and entertainment fa- work in Shanghai. Only one item [on the classes to other age children. They also ten demonizing China, causing [them] lished in 2006 in Luohu district, led by ture for our small producing country. We cilities. After a complete facelift of Ohel survey] was marked as “partial”. The operated an adult Torah and Hebrew les- to form negative impressions of China. Sholem Chazan and his wife Henny. are not resentful for the troubles and po- Leah, the synagogue looks like new, and economic activity of Jews in China has sons, including Torah for women. In But one picture is worth one thousand These two centers serve mostly in the litical issues. They made us realize that it is celebrating its 100-year birthday. raised a few acute problems: like engag- Taibei [Taiwan] the Jewish community words: Jews who come to China see the economic zone of Zhu Sanjiao and cater in order to make the world better, we ing in widespread illegal and profiteer- operates a Hebrew class mostly for chil- changes in China with their own eyes to Jewish travelers. must go an extra step. “ He added excit- Just in time, on the eve of 1997, Hong ing marketing activities. For example, Anli dren. and get a feeling of real China that is edly: Following the lead of the Four Kong returned to China. Corporation operated a large-scale mar- more objective and more positive. Then The relationship between the Lubavitch Modernizations, Hong Kong has already keting scheme that the government or- As was mentioned above, in the 1920s they can heatedly debate [about what they and the non-Orthodox community in embraced the changes more than ever The new Jewish community center was dered closed down. But on the other of the 20th century, Shanghai, Tianjin and felt and received] [about their experience] Beijing is precarious. On the one hand, before. In 1985, he met with Deng officially open, the building renovated, hand, the lack of intellectual property other places operated Jewish schools to in China and they are full of praise and they had celebrated the most important Xiaoping on his visit to China. He is complete with Chinese décor. It was a protection in China is an important ob- foster the talent in the Jewish commu- satisfaction. Actually, China has become Jewish holidays together, they set up early inseparable from the establishment of the place where the Jews kept their traditions. stacle to the exchange and cooperation nity. In recent years, the Jews in China a hot topic in Israel recently. Israeli par- education centers together, and in 2003 Great Asia TV station. Inside there is a richly decorated library. with foreign technology and talent. have also operated new all day Jewish ents [used to] want their children to study they even talked about establishing a Dennis Leventhal, the [former] Hong schools. French and German as foreign languages, community center together. Rabbi At the same time, the Jews of Hong Kong Kong Jewish historian thinks that: “The 5. The Development of Jewish Edu- now more and more parents let their chil- Freunlich had also stated that he did not advanced the relationship between China mutual concern of the formal return of come to Beijing to replace the indepen- cation in China In 1991, the Ohel Leah synagogue in dren learn Chinese. Some American Jews and the West, recommended that China Hong Kong to the Peoples’ Republic of dent Jewish community, but rather to China in 1997, obviously shows that the Hong Kong had established the Carmel often change their perceptions of China and Israel should benefit from the estab- complement it. On the other hand, each Hong Kong Jews have faith in the future, Previously the Jews in China maintained School, the first Jewish [day] school in after they come to China. One Ameri- lishing diplomatic relations. Before the side had maintained its differences and and they believe that China will preserve their Jewish tradition and culture and East Asia. Initially, it was for early edu- can in our survey who had lived in China establishment of diplomatic relations, cation and later it expanded to classes for 15 years pointed out that China is competitiveness, such as on the issue of the freedom of religion.” After the re- strengthened their Jewish identity. In Hong Kong served as the go-between for for middle school students. The school equal status of women in the commu- turn of Hong Kong to China on July 1, changing daily. A female librarian, who Israel and China trade, which had reached addition to observing Shabbat and other had 70 students in 1994 and now it has visited Shanghai in 2006 with a tour a nity. The Jewish New Year holidays of 1997, Jewish community prospered almost 1 billion dollars annually. Very the Jews, Jewish Holidays, obviously education expanded to 250 students. The school group of librarians, was asked by a re- 2003 divided the celebration among three within the borders of the People’s Re- instrumental to the Israel-China trade was was the most important issue. offers courses at international standards porter about her feelings regarding this events: The non-Orthodox event was at- public of China. In his book China and and Jewish education. The most impor- visit. She said: “What she had seen and tended by about 100 people, the Shaul Eisenberg, a refugee from Germany published in 1999, Leventhal The Jews of Hong Kong, Shanghai and tant courses were Jewish studies and ac- heard in China was completely different Lubavitch was attended by about 150 who came to Shanghai, and later became commented: “Today the Jewish commu- Beijing heavily emphasized education. culturation. The curriculum leaned to- from her previous information”. people, and about 130 Israelis attended an official and wealthy industrialist. nity feels optimistic about the future, its 8 Points East Points East 9 membership has increased, and they rely branch in Jiulong. cant contributions to Hong Kong. It is eral times [where he] set up a beverage branch in China 1995. Zim Israel Navi- on their natural ability to adapt. The believed that as China continues with the company in Shanghai. M. Kelinboke Comparatively speaking, it easier to trace gation Co. LTD started to ship Chinese community has expanded more than at Another Orthodox community is the Reform and Opening-up policies, the [Clinback?], an American, and president the investments and manufacturing con- containers in the Far East and, with the any other time in the history of Hong Shuva Yisrael, which the Isreali Darwish Jews of Hong Kong will flourish and they of an international company, not only ditions of Israeli companies in China than increase in Chinese container business, Kong. “ household established in 1991 in the will have an even more positive impact invested in China, he is also the Chair- those of individuals. Perhaps that is re- the company gradually became one of Sephardic synagogue of Hong Kong. It on the future development of Hong Kong. man of the Advisory Board of the city of flective of the growing influence and con- the most important shipping companies Talking about religion, the Jews of Hong caters mostly to Sephardic businessmen Shanghai. He had many good ideas ditions of Jewish economic activity in in the world. It developed close to one Kong belong to one of [four] groups: and travelers. The center has a good li- Taiwan also has a small Jewish commu- about opening up. today’s China. hundred maritime lines. In addition, the Orthodox, Conservative, Reform (the larg- brary. nity, established in the 1950’s. Initially, scope of its business has constantly ex- est congregation) and a formal [non-sec- they were European businessmen, and US A few Jewish industrialists who previ- Before the establishment of diplomatic panded and extended to storage, wharf/ tarian] Jewish community. Since Yaakov Then there is another group established and then US soldiers and their descen- ously lived in Shanghai took advantage relations, Israel and China had successful dock, transport of goods, and airfreight. Sassoon financed the renovation of Ohel by a Syrian Orthodox Jew, with its own dants stationed in Taiwan. The commu- of the opening up of China and came cooperated in military, economic and It changed its name to Consolidated Leah synagogue, which was built in 1901, rabbi. nity was registered as a non-profit orga- here to invest and trade. They “pulled transfer of technology. After the estab- Transportation Corporation. In 2001 it [the synagogue] is still the oldest moder- nization in 1975. Recently, since Israel strings and built bridges” to expand the lishment of relations in 1992, Israeli en- established a sibling shipping company ate Orthodox community center. Rabbi The above mentioned communities uti- set up a trading office in Taiwan, more culture of international trade in China, terprises and individuals introduced the headquartered in Shanghai with branches Yaakov Kermaier is the long-term spiri- lize community centers, with executive and more Israelis are going to Taiwan for and they also hastened the attractiveness diamond industry to China. China’s en- in many other cities. It represents the tual leader. According to several year-old committees and caretakers and offer sev- business or to study Chinese. Most of of China’s modernization. For example, trance into the Word Trade Organization main air transportation of Israel in China statistics, Ohel Leah has a membership eral services to its members and travelers them live around Taibei and there are Albert Sassoon, of the Sassoon family, and rapid development made the Chinese with two flights a week to Israel and Eu- of 256 households (about 600 people). such as Shabbat and holiday prayer ser- about 50 households, or about 200 who was Chairman of the Jewish Com- market hot. rope. In April 2006 it bought a 25% stake vices, Jewish education, kosher food, people, who attend community events. munity of Hong Kong, comes to invest in the Ningpo Aviation Company for 2 Because [Ohel Leah] is Orthodox, the entertainment, travel. Most of commu- Most of these people came to Taiwan in in China. Israel and China mutually complement billion Renminbi. Conservative and Reform Jews established nities have their own library. Obviously, the mid-1970s as businessmen with each other. Israel’s advanced technology the United Jewish Congregation of Hong there are Jews in Hong Kong who do not multinational companies. In addition Jews have also established the diamond and management are highly respected in Recently investing in risk management Kong in 1990. They publish the Shofar participate in the religious activities and there are a few scholars, students and industry in China. Eisenberg was part of China. Branches of Israeli enterprises in [brokerage houses] has been on the rise. [a magazine], the influence of which is communities, and the above story does diplomats. The leader of the community the Putong diamond stock exchange that China mostly reflect their distinct tech- The entire Chinese market does not sur- rising in Hong Kong. Michael Schwartz not include them. Some scholars estimate is Rabbi E. F. Einhorn, an Orthodox Jew; he set up in 2001. After the Reform and nology and dominant position. Irrigation, pass the Israeli [market] of risk manage- serves as Rabbi of Hong Kong’s largest that the numbers [of independents] is the chairman is Don Shapiro, a graduate Opening-up, he built a plastic factory breeding and greenhouse [technology] ment. Lately Israeli brokerage houses Jewish community organization, with between 2,000-4,000 people. of Columbia University in New York and Shanghai. The Khadoorie family built have already occupied a dominant posi- have attracted the attention of China. In 320 households. The organization is un- an American Jewish businessman. the electric industry. They contributed tion in China. Now Israel has already September 2002, the CEO of Giza bro- der the umbrella of The World Union Generally speaking, there are 3,000-3,500 to the building of the Great Asia nuclear opened three model agricultural stores in kerage firm, Zee Holzman visited Shang- for Progressive Judaism (part of the Re- Jews in Hong Kong today; most of them 4. Economic Activity of the Jews plant and were praised by Prime Minis- China, one is the Yongle store in the Jiao hai. The year 2004 became China’s “risk form movement), and caters mostly to belong to one of the five communities in China ter Li Peng for “reclaiming [/conserving] District in Beijing, and the others in investment year”. In April, Shenzhen the Reform Jews, independent, Conser- covered in this article. If we add the num- land in Hong Kong.” Michael Khadoorie Xinjiang with a variety of flower seeds hosted a “risk investment forum” that was vative and any other non-traditional Jew- ber of those who do not participate in China opened her doors to the world also visited Shanghai many times and and plants, milking and agricultural prod- attended by many US and Israeli broker- ish households and individual members. these activities, the number of Jews in with rapid development and globaliza- opened an office there and prepared fur- ucts. Hothouse [methods], breeding tech- age houses. Then in May-June, repre- Its members come mostly from North Hong Kong could reach 5,000-6,000 tion that included opportunities for Jews ther plans. niques, fertilizers and plantation are wide sentatives of Infinity, Gillete, Yangfeng, America. The majority are business Jews. in the world. The more China developed, spread in China. There are also plans to PNV, and etc. brokerage houses visited people, reporters, teachers, scholars etc. the more she became inseparable from The case of Maurice Ohana, Chairman cooperate with the moshav agriculture. their partner, the Shanghai Development and includes a wide range of households. The Jews of Hong Kong are mostly busi- the world. More and more Jews saw the of the Jewish Community of Shanghai, Corporation. In June, Israeli brokerage This warmhearted and philanthropic com- nessmen, teacher, lawyers, officials, dip- development and changes in China posi- clarified this issue. He was born in Israeli IT, medical instruments and dia- houses held a conference in Shanghai munity established the Tikkun Olam (Re- lomats, students, doctors and laymen. tively and they were successful in China. France, he dealt in the textile industry monds companies have penetrated the attended by high-level Israeli investment pairing the World) Committee in Octo- They come from 30 different countries, and established joint ventures with Chi- China market with considerable equity. managers. They further promoted the ber 2000 to enhance charitable activities and speak over 15 languages. Among Anli Enterprise is a model of a small en- nese companies. Once he saw the Chi- IT products are the most competitive prod- penetration of Israeli risk investment into in Hong Kong. them Americans, (39%), British (27%), terprise in China that expanded success- nese economic landscape, he moved to ucts internationally and Israeli exports to China. The Shanghai Development Cor- and Israelis (18%). Quite a few also fully and became big. The company Shanghai with his family, bought a 5,000 China have practically built “half of poration hosted the “US- China high tech Besides these two large congregations, come from Canada, India, Australia, started officially in 1995 and by 1997 its square meter office space in Jiangsu Jianghan.” The fast growth of the China and risk management” [conference], at- there are three Orthodox organizations; South Africa and other English-speaking business volume grew to 15 billion Beilu, and founded the Longfield Trad- market is very important to Israel. Wit- tended by 29 US representatives, among the most popular one is the Lubavitch, countries. Renminbi. After 1998, and the reorga- ing Company. His business flourished. ness to this amazing growth is Ilan them were 19 well-known brokerage established in 1987, with 105 house- nization in 2005, Anli’s business in He introduced the transit trade to the Manor, the Israeli Consul General to houses. Among these experts there were holds. Mordechai Avtzon and his wife It is worth mentioning that the Jewish China reached 175 billion Renminbi. In Jews of Shanghai. His business volume China who said that “Israel cannot ignore many Jews. By the end of the year, the came to Hong Kong in 1987 and estab- community of Hong Kong publishes the 2003 [Anli]’s business with China ex- has reached 20 -30 million US Dollars. the China market, she cannot afford to Israeli risk management firm Infinity and lished the first Lubavitch center. Initially monthly, Hong Kong Jewish Chronicle, ceeded its business with the US and Ja- lose it either”. the Chinese firm IDB had established the it started at Hua Yuan Street #51, and [among other publications]. pan together, to become number one in Other smaller ventures are in the elec- first risk management firm in China. The then moved to Macdonnel #7-9. Within the world. Its name recognition and rev- tric, high tech and rental property. Busi- Israeli enterprises like Scitex Vision and establishment of the Israeli- Chinese in- Check Points are well known in China. a few years he set up other smaller The Jewish Historical Society of Hong enues increased rapidly and became a ness ventures in consulting, law and vestment firm assisted small and middle There have been research conferences, branches but there were not much ac- Kong was established in 1984. It has a respected business in China. Anli Co. had medicine operate on a smaller scale. Like size Chinese businesses. On January 5, tivities. Among their activities, they of- positive impact on the study of the his- positively helped China enter word mar- cooperative negotiations between China the Jewish Medical Association, which 2006, the Chinese and Israeli CHF Cor- fer a daily minyan, children and adult tory of the Jewish communities in Hong kets. Besides Nail, [other] companies, like has an exchange program with the and Israel about IT products with the aim to attract other important Israeli busi- poration established the first joint ven- education, daily holiday services, and Kong and China. Morgan Stanley and Lehman Brothers, Duanjin Hospital in Shanghai. Indi- nesses to join. Zim Integrated Shipping ture risk management firm—the counseling services. To maintain the daily have expanded in China and they have vidual Jews are also scattered in the city services, they hired traveling rabbis in In summary, the quality of cultural life very strong a Jewish presence. Former Services LTD has an important status in Chenelong Development Corporation. but it is difficult to paint a picture of China. Formerly known as Zim Israel Each invested 1 Billion US dollars to help Asia to help them to support [them- of Hong Kong Jews is high; they are rela- World Bank Chairman, the Canadian Jew their economic activities. selves]. In 2006 he set up another new tively prosperous and have made signifi- Edgar Bronfman, had visited China sev- Navigation Co. LTD, it has established a develop new organic drugs.