Gay and Right
9/10/2010
Happy New Year to the people of Kaifeng…
Among the many Israelis and Jews around the world who will welcome the Jewish New Year are also 1,000 residents of China’s oldest Jewish community.
“From here in Kaifeng, China, we want to send our best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year to our brothers – the people of Israel,” says Wang Jian, one of the members of the city’s Jewish community.
Jian is particularly excited when talking about Israel. His son Yaacov made aliyah last year.
“Our ancestors have lived in China for over 1,000 years, and we are proud of our Jewish heritage and culture. We celebrate Rosh Hashana as the start of a new Hebrew year, and it is for us a very meaningful and important holiday. Like Jews everywhere, we dip apples in the honey, sing songs, and pray for a year of peace, health and aliyah!,” he says.
The Jewish community of Kaifeng was founded in the 9th century, apparently by Jewish merchants from Persia or Iraq. The city’s synagogue was built in 1163. At its height the community consisted of 5,000 Jews, many of whom were involved in Kaifeng’s commerce.
Read the rest at Gay and Right
