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|---|---|
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Major populations inTaipei, also inKaohsiung,Hsinchu,Taichung | |
| Languages | |
| English,Hebrew,Mandarin | |
| Religion | |
| Judaism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| East Asian Jews Jewish diaspora |
Thehistory of the Jews in Taiwan dates back to the mid-20th century. The first sizable presence began in the 1950s, when religious services were held in theUnited States militarychapel, to which civilians also had access.
Currently, there are twosynagogues in Taiwan. The Taiwan Jewish Community, which has been in Taiwan since the 1950s, and Chabad Taiwan, which began in 2011 and is also known by the name Taipei Jewish Center.[1]
The presence of Jews in Taiwan can be traced back to the mid-20th century when a small number of Jewish individuals and families arrived on the island. Most Jewish immigrants came to Taiwan for business and professional opportunities, attracted by the growing economic development and trade possibilities in the region.[2]
The Taiwan Jewish Community (TJC) is a non-denominational Jewish community in Taipei. During the 1950s, Jews in Taiwan would meet at the American military chapel. Expecting their support from the American military to end, they applied with the Taipei city government to register a Jewish foundation. This application was approved in 1978, officially establishing the Taiwan Jewish Community.[3] In 1975,RabbiEphraim Einhorn (Hebrew:אפרים פרדיננד איינהורן;Chinese:艾恩宏;pinyin:Ài Ēnhóng) arrived to serve as the island's sole rabbi.[4] For many years Rabbi Einhorn officiated at Sabbath and holiday services at the Landis Hotel and later the Sheraton Taipei. In 2015 the venue for the services moved to space in an office building provided by one of the community members. In 2020 the Taiwan Jewish Community moved to a location funded by the entire community. Attendance peaks around theHigh Holy Days, numbering around 200 individuals.[5][6][7][8] Rabbi Einhorn died in 2021 in Taipei and his role in running the organization Taiwan Jewish Community was passed on to Leon Fenster.[9] In 2023 until 2025, Cody R. Bahir joined the Taiwanese Jewish Community as the congregation's first full-time rabbi, and Taiwan's first non-orthodox rabbi.[citation needed]
On December 29, 2021, the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center of Taiwan was officially opened in Taipei.[10] The 22,500 square-foot center features a synagogue, mikveh (ritual bath), kosher culinary lab and kitchen, 300-person ballroom, classroom, library, and a museum of Judaica and Jewish art containing over 400 rare items. The center was funded, designed, and built by the Jeffrey D. Schwartz & NaTang Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association (JTCA), a non-profit organization founded by Jeffrey D. Schwartz, Founder and CEO of Four Star Group, and his wifeNa Tang, an actress, musician, and author. The center offers a variety of cultural activities and is open to membership and participation by everyone in the Taiwan community, including those who adhere to other faiths.[11]
In the summer of 2011, upon the coming of the newChabad emissaries, Rabbi Shlomi and Racheli Tabib, the Chabad Taiwan was founded.[12]
Because the state ofIsrael has full diplomatic relations with mainland China, it cannot fully recognize the government of Taiwan, which China considers separatist. Nevertheless, Israel maintains the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei (ISECO). In 2006, there was $1.3 billion worth of bilateral trade between Israel and Taiwan.[citation needed]
In 2023 Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of IsraelDavid Lau visited Taiwan by invitation of Rabbi Shlomi Tabib to attend the opening of the new Jeffrey Schwartz Jewish Center.[13]
In 2002 a Holocaust Museum was opened in Bao'an,Rende Township,Tainan County (now part ofTainan City).[14]It was founded by Chou Chou An (Chinese:卓枝安;pinyin:Zhuó Zhī'ān), a Taiwanesepriest who followsMessianic Judaism, considered by many Christians and Jews to be a form of Christianity. Chou Chou An received his religious education inJapan. The Kyoto Holocaust Museum has donated severalartefacts to the Holocaust Museum in Tainan.[citation needed]
In 2021 anInternational Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony in Taipei was attended by Taiwanese PresidentTsai Ing-wen. The event was organized by the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, the German Institute Taipei, and the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy.[15]
As of 2023, the Jewish community is estimated to number 1500 to 2000, according to Chabad of Taiwan.[2]
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