No one knows for sure when Jews first came to Kaifeng or their origin. We know that they arrived sometime before 1163 C.E. because in that year they were given permission to build a synagogue.
Since the opening of China to Western tourism, there has been a renewed interest in the Chinese Jews; a bit of Jewish exotica which resurfaces in the West from time to time. (Because of its unusual nature, more has been written about the historically insignificant Jewish community of Kaifeng than about the Jewish communities of Chicago or Moscow.) In 1985, Time Magazine even had a full page article on the Chinese Jews of Kaifeng which effectively anointed them full-fledged Jews seeking to preserve their Jewish heritage.
Writer-Performer-Recording Artist and Cantorial Soloist Joy Katzen-Guthrie, along with Regent China Tours, presents the Heritage Tour: Discovering Jewish History in China. An extraordinary visit to 5 ancient Chinese cities to discover the centuries-long relationship between these two ancient cultures and the connections between Judaism and the ancient faiths of China.
The Israel Trade and Economic Department In Hong Kong Promotes Trade between Israel, Hong Kong and China. Find Business information and Business Opportunities in the site.
There is presently an active Jewish Community in Shanghai, China. Comprised of international professionals, businessmen and entrepeneurs, the Shanghai Jewish Community welcomes all Jewish residents and travelers to participate at Shabbat services and dinner and the variety of other community activities.
Kehilat Zion in Hong Kong was founded in 1995 by business people of Syrian extraction from New York who value the Torah as a priority in their Jewish life. The Synagogue is linked to Beith Midrash Sephardic Organization in Jerusalem, a body which promotes the education and study of Torah in the Sephardic tradition as well as providing education in Jewish culture throughout the world.
Among the last of a dying breed of fervent American fans of Communism, is one aged author who explores the mysteries of the ancient Jews of Kaifeng. Fitting, because a half century after leaving New York for the People's Republic, he's probably the oldest Jew in China.
The Heritage Tours with Joy Katzen-Guthrie. Discover centuries of fascinating Jewish history in remote parts of the world, including China, Australia/New Zealand, and Alaska. See tour itineraries, FAQs, photos, Jewish history, and one of the most extensive collections of Jewish-China, Jewish-Australia/New Zealand, and Jewish-Alaska links on the web.
