Ever since I met Toby at AJC’s Chinese-Jewish Mah Jongg event, I have been captivated by the art of the game.
Considering that I am Chinese, but ignorant about Mah Jongg, was not acceptable in my eyes. With conviction, I coerced my mom to take the beginner’s course together in Berkeley, CA.
Now Toby teaches the Jewish or American style of play, a kind of a twist on the Chinese version. Every Wednesday evening, for 4 weeks, I get to sit with 6 other Jewish ladies learning the basics. Toby provides the refreshments, i.e. tea and cookies and is a great teacher and communicator. My mom and I are the only ones who are not “100%” Jews at the class.
I get the feeling there is a sort of revival of Mah Jongg going on right now. When I think of Mah Jongg, I think of a more mature audience. I hope to help change this and entice more younger generations to start cracking those tiles! Do you know how to play?
Sep 10, 2011 @ 22:39:57
This sounds like a lot of fun! Where are the classes held?
Janice
Sep 10, 2011 @ 22:41:59
North Berkeley, check her site.
Sent from my iPad
Sep 11, 2011 @ 06:08:59
I love to play Mah Jongg! I am one of the Mah Jongg Doctors!
See our blog here:
http://www.mahjonggdrs.blogspot.com/
Join us for lots of information about the game!
Sep 11, 2011 @ 17:15:02
Thanks for sharing!
Sep 12, 2011 @ 08:37:12
Wow! This is Toby and I love that you love learning Mah Jongg. If you know anyone who is interested in future classes….tobysmj@gmail.com. It’s really a joy to have you and your mom in my class. You are my first mother/daughter team!
Oct 31, 2011 @ 11:29:36
I played maj with a local group here in Northern VA for quite a while (before I went back to work). Great fun. We were a mixed group with all types of backgrounds – definately not religious affiliated group in any way.
Regards,
Theresa (Tangled Trees)
Oct 22, 2012 @ 17:57:24
Cool! Glad you enjoy the game!
Oct 22, 2012 @ 00:57:20
I learned Maj about 10 years ago from a friend’s mother (Jewish). We are 7 Jewish ladies that get together once-a-week to play and I love it!
Oct 23, 2012 @ 01:00:33
I teach Mah Jongg and have taught hundreds at this point in time. There are groups all over the Bay Area that have stemmed from my classes. I love hearing about the community Mah Jongg creates. Any one out there want to try a Beginners Class???