Professor Xu Xin is a widely respected academic on Judaic studies in China.
Last week, I had the privilege to listen to his lecture titled “Why are the Chinese so interested in the Jews?” ( I may add, Jews are also interested in the Chinese, it goes both ways!)
Similar to my own perspectives on the reason, I would like to summarize for you here.
Chinese and Jewish Peoples share much in common:
1. Long and continuous history/civilization (Jews have over 5000 years and Chinese have over 3000 years)
2. Common traditions (places importance on education, family, values, and building businesses) (Jewish ladies love to play Mah Jonng! Chinese admire Jews’ business acumen )
3. Similar experiences (both Chinese and Jews have been persecuted and suppressed by others, but both live on, stronger than before)
4. Bright future (both people are set for a new future)
What do you think? Any other thoughts on the connection of the two groups? I would love to hear from you.
Feb 27, 2012 @ 18:36:41
How about: There has no record of a major persecution to Jewish people by the Chinese.
Feb 27, 2012 @ 18:45:28
Good point Peter, a question was asked at the lecture of the speaker on why the Chinese not despise the Jews. one reason was the Chinese are not Muslim nor Christian.
Feb 28, 2012 @ 00:44:23
Honestly, though it’s nice that there are some esoteric professors in China interested in Jews and Israel and some struggling faculties in Israel trying to learn about China and Chinese culture, I’d say the statement “so interested” is far from reality. If anything, there’s an almost mutual avoidance, which is something i spend considerable time worrying about. If Israel is SO behind taking an interest in the world’s 2nd largest economy, and no one in China can say much more about Israel than “very clever at making money”, then we’re in a serious problem.
But that’s just my humble view… perhaps I’m missing something.
Feb 28, 2012 @ 18:21:03
I see your points, but coming from the USA and associating with American Jews specifically, I would say its a bit different than Israel. There is a lot going on in terms of mixing at schools, namely universities. I do not think there is a sizable Asian or Chinese population for Jews and Chinese Tomis one social level. I stay away from politics so won’t comment on the Israeli government.
Feb 28, 2012 @ 23:55:52
Interesting! Can you expand on why the professor thinks the future looks bright for the Jews?
Mar 02, 2012 @ 12:49:32
Hi Vikki,
My own personal interpretation is that China is growing as a world power. Jews and Chinese relations is very important as we can support and nurture each other for a better future for both.
xoxo
Xiaoming
Mar 01, 2012 @ 03:37:43
Hello and greetings. I follow your page on FB. I’m a third generation American of Jewish ancestory. My great-grandfather and great-grandmother came to America over 100 years ago from Belarus (White Russia), which was part of the Czar of Russia’s Empire back then. Very typical, normal and predictable story of American Jews.
Here’s what is unusual: I just learned recently that my great-grandfather, a Jew born and raised in Belarus, as a young man around 1900, had lived and worked in China. He had to leave when The Boxer Rebellion happened.
Do you have any info about this? Do you think he might have lived and worked in Shanghai among other Europeans and Jews? Were there lots like him in China at that time?
Mar 04, 2012 @ 13:01:23
Dear Dave,
This is very interesting. It is the first time I have heard of this myself. Let me do a bit of digging and get back to you.
Thanks for letting me know!
Xiaoming
Jan 22, 2013 @ 12:41:40
Chinese and Jews are both from an ancient civilization group, like the twin brothers who were separated from the very early age, they must have been together when they left Egypt, this is why the Chinese New Year are so similar as Jewish Passover. Chinese and Jews are related, hopefully the genetic science can trace back 5000 years ago and prove that that in the future.
Jan 22, 2013 @ 13:19:16
That’s very interesting. I hope the link can be found as well. May I ask if you are Chinese Jewish as well?
May 17, 2013 @ 10:48:27
There’s one big difference. The very first commandment from God in the Jewish Bible (Book of Genesis) is said to Adam and Eve: “Be Fruitful and multiply!) The Jews could never accept the current Chinese laws that forbid large families. It would express the exact opposite of one central Jewish value:: Choose Life!!
May 19, 2013 @ 00:12:27
Point noted. True but before the 1980s, China’s model was also be fruitful and multiply. Hence, how we have over 1 billion people today.