四月電子報-歷史性的一刻：2025 年逾越節在薛智偉猶太社區中心盛大舉行，迎來超過 400 位來賓 —— 包括 100 位結束兵役休假後首次來台的以色列年輕士兵，共同參與這場難忘的信仰與團結盛會。
History in the Making: 2025 Passover at the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center Welcomes Over 400 Guests—Including 100 Young Israeli Soldiers Visiting Taiwan for the First Time After a Break from Military Service—for an Unforgettable Celebration of Jewish Unity and Faith
It was a true blessing to host Jews from all walks of life on our cherished island home of Taiwan, coming together in celebration of heritage, faith, and connection.
歷史性的一刻：2025 年逾越節在薛智偉猶太社區中心盛大舉行，迎來超過 400 位來賓 —— 包括 100 位結束兵役休假後首次來台的以色列年輕士兵，共同參與這場難忘的信仰與團結盛會。
能夠在我們摯愛的台灣島上，接待來自世界各地的猶太朋友，一同慶祝傳承、信仰與彼此之間的連結，對我們而言是一份真正的祝福。
Welcoming and preparing for Passover 2025!
迎接並準備 2025 年的逾越節！
As spring slowly unfolds, our community center enters one of the most vibrant and meaningful moments of the year. We are not only embracing a season of renewal, but also preparing to welcome one of the most significant holidays in the Jewish calendar—Passover.
In the days leading up to this festival, which symbolizes both rebirth and liberation, our kitchen and event space are bustling with meticulous preparations. These efforts are more than logistical—they are acts of tradition and reverence.
In the kitchen, our chef and rabbi are leading the process of "Koshering for Passover," a traditional Jewish cleaning ritual. Cookware is purified through open flames to remove any traces of chametz (leavened products), while countertops and utensils are repeatedly washed with boiling water, ensuring every detail adheres to kosher standards. This is not just a technical task—it is a cultural expression of care and continuity.
Meanwhile, the event space is also taking shape. From carefully laid tablecloths and polished wine glasses to the precise placement of each chair, every element is arranged with intention and heart. Our volunteers and staff are working hand in hand to create an atmosphere that feels grounded in a place of peace and well-being, embraced by warmth and the solemn joy of the holiday.
This preparation is not only about physical cleanliness—it is also a process of inner reflection and renewal. As everything gradually falls into place, we ready ourselves with a purified space and open hearts to welcome the arrival of Passover.
It was a true blessing to host Jews from all walks of life on our cherished island place of Taiwan, coming together in celebration of heritage, faith, and connection.
隨著春意漸濃，社區中心也進入了一年中最充滿生命力與意義的時刻。我們不只迎來了萬物更新的季節，也正準備迎接猶太曆中極具份量的節日——逾越節。
今年的逾越節，不僅是一場節慶，更是一段值得銘記的歷史時刻。2025年，薛智偉猶太社區中心迎來超過400位來賓——其中包含100位在兵役休息期間首度造訪台灣的年輕以色列士兵，一同參與這場充滿信仰與團結精神的難忘盛會。
在這個象徵重生與出走的節期前夕，廚房與會場同步展開密集準備。這些不只是節日的前置作業，更是一種傳承與敬意的實踐。
在廚房中，我們的主廚與拉比親自上陣，進行猶太傳統中的「Kosher for Passover」清潔程序。鍋具經過明火燒烤以去除可能殘留的酵母（Chametz），檯面與器皿則以熱水反覆清洗，確保所有細節都符合潔淨的規範。這不僅是一項技術性的工作，更是一種對文化的尊重與延續。
與此同時，會場也在逐步成形。從桌巾的鋪設、酒杯的排列，到每一張座椅的位置調整，每一處細節皆由志工與工作人員用心安排，只為在逾越節晚宴當晚，讓每位賓客都感受到、自己處在一個身心安定的所在地、感受著溫暖與節日的莊嚴喜悅。
這樣的準備，不只是外在的清潔，更是內心的整理與沉澱。當一切都就緒，我們將以潔淨的空間與敞開的心，迎接逾越節的到來。
能夠在我們所珍愛的台灣島上，接待來自各地的猶太朋友齊聚一堂，共同慶祝傳承、信仰與連結，實在是一種深深的祝福。
April 12, 2025 : A Night of Kosher Passover Celebration
2025年4月12日：猶太潔食逾越節之夜
After days of careful preparation, the evening of Passover arrived, enveloping our community in an atmosphere both solemn and joyful.
The celebration began in the synagogue, where community members gathered in prayer. Guided by our rabbi, we opened the evening with a moment of spiritual grounding—inviting intention and tradition into the night ahead.
We then returned to the beautifully arranged dining hall to begin the Passover Seder. With a Haggadah in hand, everyone followed the fifteen steps of the ritual, each rich with history, symbolism, and reflection. From the washing of hands to the breaking of matzah, every gesture was a meaningful reminder of our journey from bondage to freedom.
One of the most moving moments came when voices joined together in song. Led by the rabbi, familiar melodies filled the room—connecting hearts and generations, and bringing the spirit of the holiday to life.
As the Seder progressed, a special holiday meal—thoughtfully crafted by our chef—was served. Each dish was a celebration in itself, honoring both tradition and the season.
To close the evening, everyone joined in the timeless declaration: “Next year in Jerusalem.” These final words echoed with hope, connection, and the promise of gathering again.
在多日的精心準備之後，逾越節的晚上終於來臨，整個社區籠罩在莊嚴而喜悅的氛圍之中。
活動從猶太聖殿內的祈禱開始，社區成員齊聚一堂，在拉比的帶領下一同禱告，為這個神聖的節日晚宴揭開序幕，也為整場活動注入一份力量。
接著，大家回到布置妥當的晚宴會場，正式展開逾越節晚宴儀式（Seder）。在每人手中的哈加達（Haggadah）指引下，我們一步步走過十五個儀式流程，每一個步驟都蘊含著深遠的歷史意涵與心靈省思。從洗手、分餅，到講述出埃及的故事，儀式不只是形式，更是一次次對自由與信仰的重新凝視。
最讓人感動的時刻，莫過於全場一同歌唱的時候。拉比帶領大家唱起代代相傳的傳統詩歌，熟悉的旋律在空間中迴盪，連結了每一位參與者的記憶與情感，讓這份節日的精神更加真實可感。
隨著儀式的推進，主廚精心準備的節慶晚宴也一道道上桌，從菜色到擺盤皆充滿節日氛圍，為整晚畫下溫暖的味覺記憶。
在晚宴的尾聲，眾人齊聲高喊：「明年在耶路撒冷見（Next year in Jerusalem）」，這句傳統的結語，不僅為這場盛會劃下句點，也象徵著希望與再會。
April 17, 2025: A special Passover Seder for the greater community consisting of Jews and Taiwanese wanting to experience and understand our ancient customs and rituals
2025年4月17日：為更廣大的社群舉辦的一場特別逾越節晚宴——邀請猶太人與有興趣體驗與了解我們古老傳統與儀式的台灣朋友一同參與
In the spirit of openness and cultural exchange, our community center hosted a second Passover Seder on April 17—an evening specially designed to include both Jewish community members and Taiwanese friends eager to experience this ancient tradition.
Unlike the first night of Passover, when electronic devices must be turned off in accordance with Jewish law, this second Seder allowed us to document and share the experience more freely—with photos, videos, and conversations that captured the joy and meaning of the evening.
Led by Rabbi Shlomi, the Seder followed the traditional 15-step structure outlined in the Haggadah. Yet what made this night so special was the energy in the room: Jewish and Taiwanese guests alike listened intently to the story of the Exodus, explored the symbolic foods of the Seder plate, and asked heartfelt questions about the customs and their significance.
As the evening progressed, voices rose together in traditional songs—melodies that had traveled across centuries and continents, now echoing in Taiwan. The atmosphere was one of warmth, learning, and connection.
A festive kosher meal followed, lovingly prepared by our kitchen team. Every dish honored the story of liberation and the values we hold dear: freedom, remembrance, and gratitude.
We concluded the night as one community, declaring in unison the timeless words: “Next year in Jerusalem.”
It was more than a ritual; it was a celebration of shared understanding and enduring hope.
4月17日，薛智偉猶太社區中心舉辦了一場別具意義的逾越節晚宴，誠摯邀請猶太社群與台灣友人一同參與，感受這個歷史悠久的節日儀式，並透過文化交流加深彼此的理解。
不同於首日晚宴的儀式限制（猶太律法規定日落後不得使用電子設備），第二場晚宴則允許拍照與錄影，讓我們得以留下這些寶貴的畫面，也讓這份節慶的喜悅能更廣地被分享與傳遞。
在拉比Shlomi的帶領下，來賓手持哈加達，依序完成十五個傳統儀式流程。然而，當晚最令人感動的，莫過於現場所凝聚出的能量與交流——無論是猶太成員還是台灣賓客，每個人都用心聆聽出埃及的故事，並對哈加達中蘊藏的歷史與象徵提出發人深省的問題。
儀式中，我們一同高唱代代傳頌的逾越節詩歌，旋律在空間中流轉，不僅是歷史的回聲，更是當代交流的橋樑。
隨後上桌的是我們廚房團隊用心準備的節慶佳餚，每一道菜不僅符合猶太潔食（Kosher）規範，也象徵著自由、記憶與感恩。
最後，全場齊聲喊出那句傳統結語：「明年在耶路撒冷見」，那是一份不變的願景，也是一種來自不同文化間的共同盼望。
A Gathering of Friendship: Israeli Knesset Taiwan Friendship Group Visits the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center
友誼的交會：以色列國會友台小組蒞臨薛智偉猶太社區中心
Recently, Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center had the honor of welcoming the Israeli Knesset Taiwan Friendship Group. The delegation was personally received by the Center’s founder, Mr. Schwartz, who later hosted a dinner in their honor.
The visit began with a tour of the community center and museum, where guests explored Mr. Schwartz private collection of treasured artifacts. They then entered the only synagogue currently in Taiwan. During the tour, Mr. Schwartz pointed out unique features within the synagogue . One particularly moving moment occurred when all eyes followed his gesture with deep focus and reverence—a scene beautifully captured on camera, preserving the spirit of the visit.
That evening, our founder Mr. Jeffrey D. Schwartz thoughtfully hosted a farewell banquet for the visiting legislators, warmly welcoming them in person and joining everyone in a joyful celebration filled with a diverse array of delicious, authentic dishes. The atmosphere throughout the evening was heartfelt and harmonious, and the beauty of cultural exchange deeply moved all who attended. Conversations were shared with respect and smiles, and a highlight of the night was the specially prepared Wellington steak—an elegant culinary centerpiece that perfectly captured the festive spirit. It was a meaningful moment of connection and an unforgettable memory for all involved.
One of the most memorable moments came when everyone raised their glasses in a collective toast. The video captured smiles, blessings, and applause—an enduring symbol of cross-cultural understanding and friendship.
This visit was more than just an exchange; it was a true meeting of hearts and histories. We sincerely invite you to step into this space where time, culture, and connection meet, and experience its richness firsthand.
近日，薛智偉猶太社區中心榮幸迎接以色列國會友台小組訪團，由本中心創始人薛智偉先生親自接待，並於晚間設宴款待遠道而來的訪賓。
訪團首先參觀了社區中心及博物館，深入了解創始人薛智偉先生多年來的珍藏文物，隨後步入目前全台唯一一座猶太聖殿。參觀過程中，薛智偉先生親自講解聖殿內的各項設計細節。在其中一幕，他指向聖殿中的一處特色，眾人專注聆聽、目光追隨，現場流露出濃厚的尊重與好奇——這一瞬間，也被鏡頭忠實捕捉，成為當天最動人的畫面之一。
當晚創始人薛智偉先生更用心的為議員們準備了這場送行歡宴、親自熱忱接待，與大家一同歡樂共享多樣化、風味絕佳的道地美食。整場交流氣氛溫馨融洽、其樂融融，文化交織之美深深感動每一位在場來賓，賓主間以敬意與微笑交談，席間更有特別為此準備的威靈頓牛排，結合精緻烹調與節慶氛圍，為這場交流之夜增添了亮眼的一筆。這是一段充滿意義的交流時光，也是一個令人難忘的美好回憶！
當晚，一段全場舉杯的片刻，更將氣氛推向高潮。杯中盛滿的不僅是佳釀，更是跨文化理解與友誼的象徵。影片中，微笑、祝福與掌聲交織，記錄下這場難得相聚的美好回憶。
這場參訪，不僅是一次文化與歷史的交流，更是友誼的見證。我們也誠摯邀請您，親身走入這座見證時代與文化交會的空間，感受其中的深意與溫度。
A Day of Remembrance and Hope: Yom HaShoah & Yom HaZikaron at JCC
記憶與希望的交會——猶太大屠殺紀念日與以色列陣亡將士紀念日聯合儀式
On April 29, the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center was honored to support and participate in a solemn and meaningful ceremony hosted by the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei. The event commemorated two deeply significant days: Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror.
This was not merely a ceremony—it was a moment of silence that resonated with profound weight. As we bowed our heads in remembrance of those who perished in war and genocide, the atmosphere was filled with a quiet reverence. The ceremony was led by Ms. Maya Yaron, who guided participants in a collective act of memory and respect.
One of the most powerful moments came when Ms. Orly Sela, a third-generation descendant of Holocaust survivors, stood before the audience. Speaking in the first person, she recounted how her grandmother and parents were sent to Auschwitz, and how their family journeyed through unimaginable hardship before eventually finding a new life in Israel. Her words were not history from a book—they were living testimony. The room was silent, hearts heavy, eyes attentive.
Yet this gathering was not only about mourning—it was also a declaration of hope. At the end of the ceremony, a group of Jewish high school students stepped forward and lit candles—each flame symbolizing memory, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future. Their young faces, solemn yet determined, seemed to speak directly to history: We remember—and we will continue to tell the story.
These flames illuminated more than just the past; they also cast light on what lies ahead. In the space between sorrow and strength, we witnessed the power of intergenerational remembrance—and saw, in the hands of our youth, the quiet, steady spark of peace beginning to take root.
4月29日，一場既莊重又深刻的儀式，在薛智偉猶太社區中心舉行。我們榮幸支持並參與由以色列經濟文化辦事處主辦的紀念活動，向兩個重要日子致敬——猶太大屠殺紀念日（Yom HaShoah）與以色列陣亡將士紀念日（Yom HaZikaron）。
這不僅是一次儀式，更是一次靜默卻震撼的時刻。當我們為那些在歷史戰爭與浩劫中失去生命的無數靈魂默哀時，空氣中瀰漫的是難以言喻的沉痛。游瑪雅代表莊嚴主持儀式，邀請眾人以敬意與靜默，回應歷史的呼喚。
當奧莉·瑟拉（Orly Sela）女士站上講台，會場的空氣凝結。作為猶太大屠殺倖存者的第三代，她用第一人稱，講述祖母與父母如何在鐵絲網與火車車廂間掙扎求生，又如何在戰後尋找新的歸屬。那不只是歷史，是一段活生生的生命見證，深深觸動了在場每一位來賓的心。
但這場儀式不僅止於哀悼——它更象徵希望的延續。最後，一群猶太高中生緩緩點燃燭光，照亮這段曾被黑暗吞沒的記憶。年輕的面孔、堅定的眼神，彷彿對歷史說出：「我們記得，而且會繼續說下去。」
這些燭光所象徵的，不只是過去的記憶，也是未來的願景。在悲傷與堅韌之間，我們看見了跨世代的傳承，也看見了和平的種子，在每一雙年輕的手中悄悄發芽。
Warm Regards,
Jeffrey D. Schwartz & Na Tang
Co-founders, Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association
給予大家 最深的愛與祝福
薛智偉＆坣娜
薛智偉・坣娜猶台文化交流協會創始人
