12 Oct, 2006 in Asia-Israel connections, China by Fili An Tags: Asia-Israel connections; China;

Jewish China

Israelis are studying about China Chinese language, and Asians are studying about Israel and the Hebrew language The connection between the Jewish people and China has a long history going back hundreds of years. Wikipedia even has a special long section on the topic, detailing the historical timeline and key figures :

Jews and Judaism in China have had a long and often enigmatic history. Jewish settlers are documented in China as early as the 7th or 8th century CE, but may have arrived during the mid Han Dynasty…

This week, Danwei's lovely (Jewish) Sufei explores the Jewish community in Beijing :

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoZzD0VPfeM[/video]

The contrasts between Jewish folks, like Sufei and myself, to the ultra-orthodox are quite remarkable, so it's sometimes even shocking for me to realize how successful those small Chabad communities around Asia are. While being in Asia, I really couldn't related myself to those, but I have to admit that they do have a very interesting blend of preserving the very traditional Judaism at the heart of Asian cultures.

There aren't too many of them, but it's nice to sometimes meet and hear about Asian-Jewish romantic connections and their super-cute mixed-blood children. Have a quick look at this video about a Chinese-Jew girl, for example, with some hilarious quotes that I believe SuFei would like :

  • "All a China-Jew lives for is Sex, devouring, and more Sex."
  • "Judaism is like fine wine, if you have enough of it – you'll sleep with anyone."

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5-IqyarN6A[/video]

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  • Another westerner teaching in China talking about local Chinese girl. Please check this Blog above.
  • ?!
    Did I miss something?
  • I think Jews in beijing can be called minority, just like other 55 minorities in china. all of these minorities have unique culture, and it's not accidental. when you look at the china town(they are minorities too) in USA, you can easily find the traditional chinese culture:)
  • Yeah. I think one of the most obvious similarities between the Chinese and the Jewish people are their small minority communities spread all over the world and that they both usually like to keep to themselves.
    In more than a few western countries there's a China Town and a Jewish style neighborhood.
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