Some scholars believe Jews began to arrive in Kaifeng, China, as early as 960 C.E. (Northern Song Dynasty), while others place the date at 618 C.E. (Tang Dynasty). The first synagogue in the community reportedly was built in the year 1163. (The image is a model of a synagogue in Kaifeng.) Early Jewish inhabitants most likely were from India or Persia. Although Kaifeng’s Jews have largely assimilated into Chinese society, there still are an estimated 400 to 500 Jews remaining in the city. Only some 40 to 50 of them participate in Jewish activities, however. Source: Wikipedia
Learn more about the Jews of Kaifeng, China, on Wikipedia. >>
Jews in Kaifeng sing Hatikvah, the national anthem of Israel, in Chinese [2:17]. >>
A group of Kaifeng Jews arrive in Israel to study Hebrew and learn about Judaism and Jewish culture. >>
Photo: Diaspora Museum
