五月電子報-文化‧外交‧信仰的交會點：猶太五月在台灣

Alex

2025-06-29

Where Culture, Diplomacy, and Faith Converge: A Jewish May in Taiwan

This May in Taiwan, culture, diplomacy, and Jewish faith came together in meaningful ways—from official visits to sacred rites and community celebrations, each moment reflected connection and continuity.

文化‧外交‧信仰的交會點：猶太五月在台灣

今年五月，台灣成為文化、外交與猶太信仰交會的舞台——從官方來訪到宗教儀式與社群慶典，每一刻都展現了連結與傳承的深意。

Honored Guests from Israel: A Night of Cultural Connection at the JCC
以色列國會訪團蒞臨薛智偉猶太社區中心 —— 一場猶太文化的美好夜晚

It was our distinct honor to welcome a delegation from the Israeli Knesset to the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center (JCC), accompanied personally by our founder, Mr. Jeffrey Schwartz. Their arrival marked not only a diplomatic visit but a heartfelt cultural reunion—a moment when Jewish heritage, hospitality, and tradition came to life right here in Taiwan.

Kashrut Across Continents
The delegation chose to dine with us at our kosher lab kitchen—a decision that reflects how even far from home, the laws of kashrut remain a guiding light for nourishment, familiarity, and spiritual connection. The thoughtfully prepared kosher meal offered not only nourishment, but a sense of homecoming. Food, as always in Jewish life, became a vessel of memory and meaning.

A Visit to Sacred Spaces

Mr. Schwartz guided the group through our museum, immersion pool (mikveh)—the only one of its kind in Taiwan—and the synagogue. As they stood together in the sanctuary, singing Hebrew prayers that echoed across the room, it became a moment of profound spiritual resonance. To sing “Oseh Shalom” in unity, in a land so far from Israel, was deeply moving.

A Toast to Friendship
The evening was also filled with warmth and genuine connection. Mr. Schwartz hosted a farewell dinner in honor of our guests, featuring festive dishes such as a specially prepared Wellington beef, blending Jewish celebration with local hospitality. The clinking of glasses, shared stories, and laughter around the table captured the essence of chesed (loving-kindness) and arevut (mutual responsibility) that lies at the heart of Jewish life.

A Moment to Remember
This evening was more than a visit—it was a celebration of our shared heritage and an affirmation that Jewish life in Taiwan is vibrant, visible, and deeply connected to our global family. We are grateful to the delegation for reminding us that even from afar, Am Yisrael Chai—the people of Israel live on.

The honored members of the delegation included:

#Ohad Tal

#Michael Mordechai Biton

#Oded Forer

#Eliyahu Revivo

#Eitan Ginzburg

#Miriam Nava Maoz Ovadia (Maoz)

#Deputy Representative Chih Cheng, Fang

我們非常榮幸迎接以色列國會訪團蒞臨薛智偉猶太社區中心（JCC），由創始人薛智偉先生親自陪同接待。這次的會面不僅是一場外交訪問，更是一次猶太文化在台灣土地上深情綻放的重要時刻。

這次來訪特別選擇由我們的潔食實驗室提供Kosher餐點，即使遠在異鄉，也能遵循潔食律法、吃得安心與熟悉。對猶太人而言，飲食不只是身體的滋養，更是對文化與信仰的堅持與延續。

薛先生親自帶領議員們參觀本中心博物館、全台唯一的猶太浸禮堂（Mikveh）與聖殿。當眾人在聖殿中祈禱與吟唱詩歌，熟悉的希伯來旋律在異鄉響起，成為一段充滿深厚連結的心靈時光。

晚宴中，薛智偉先生特別為議員們準備送行餐敘，親自接待、款待嘉賓，席間氣氛溫馨，眾人其樂融融。主廚特別端上威靈頓牛排，結合節慶氛圍與精緻美味，為文化交流的夜晚添上亮眼的一筆。

這不只是一次參訪，更是猶太文化在台灣被看見、被珍惜、被延續的深刻印記。我們衷心感謝這次訪團的蒞臨，讓我們再次深刻體會到：即使相隔千里，猶太人民依然同心同行——עם ישראל חי（以色列民族永存）。

此次訪團貴賓包括：

#Ohad Tal

#Michael Mordechai Biton

#Oded Forer

#Eliyahu Revivo

#Eitan Ginzburg

#Miriam Nava Maoz Ovadia (Maoz)

#Deputy Representative Chih Cheng, Fang

A Historic Milestone: JTCA's Kosher culinary Lab Brings Kashrut to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ✡️

A sanctification of the everyday—bringing Jewish tradition into the heart of Taiwan’s diplomacy.

JTCA潔食實驗室走入外交部殿堂——Kosher餐飲的歷史新頁

讓日常成為神聖——在台灣外交舞台上見證猶太信仰的光芒。

On May 6, 2025 (8 Iyar 5785), in a moment infused with meaning and purpose, JTCA’s Kosher culinary Lab stepped into history. For the first time, a fully certified kosher catering team served within the walls of Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This was more than a meal—it was a public kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God’s name), a testament to the living pulse of Jewish identity far from the land of Israel.

Kashrut in Action—Halacha Meets Hospitality
Every detail of the preparation was an act of mitzvah: ingredients selected with care, utensils kashered with intention, and every meal sealed under rabbinic supervision. Our team didn’t just serve food—they served faith, ensuring that each bite honored both halachic standards and the sacred dignity of our guests.

This wasn’t just catering—it was a sacred offering, an echo of Avodat Hakodesh, holy service in a modern context.

A Table of Tradition—Hospitality as Torah
Our founder, Mr. Jeffrey D. Schwartz, joined the table not just as host, but as witness to a powerful truth: hachnasat orchim—welcoming guests—is among the highest Jewish values. That night, kosher food became a bridge, linking Taipei and Jerusalem, the Ministry and the Mishkan (the ancient tabernacle).

Guests were deeply moved—not only by the culinary quality but by the integrity and spiritual care embedded in every step. The food was nourishing, the symbolism even more so.

Kosher Without Borders—Faith in the Public Square

This moment showed that Kashrut is not confined to private homes or synagogues—it belongs wherever Jews bring their faith. From the heart of our JCC kitchen to the halls of diplomacy, this was a bold expression of Jewish pride, practice, and purpose. This is JTCA, where our dedicated team in Taiwan skillfully presents the beauty of Kosher cuisine—while continuously igniting the inspiring spark of harmony between Jewish and Taiwanese cultures in every heart.

As we say in Pirkei Avot, “In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.” In a land with few Jews, we strive to bring much light.

5785年以珥月第八天（2025年5月6日），這一天注定載入我們社區的歷史。JTCA潔食實驗室首次成為外交部正式宴請的Kosher外燴團隊，不僅代表一場餐會的圓滿，更是一場對信仰與文化的公開見證（Kiddush Hashem），在遙遠的台灣，也能見證猶太身份的榮光。

律法的實踐——在日常中實現神聖

從食材選用、器皿潔化，到料理封箱的每個細節，都是一場實踐mitzvah（神聖誡命）的過程。我們的團隊不只是準備食物，更是呈上一場現代的Avodat Hakodesh（聖工），每一步都遵循猶太潔食律法（Kashrut），由拉比親自監督與簽名確認。

這不是單純的外燴任務，而是一場信仰的延續——對神的敬意與對客人的尊重交織在每一道料理中。

以款待為道——餐桌上的妥拉精神

創始人薛智偉先生也親自出席此次宴會，象徵這場盛宴不僅是外交上的交流，更是落實Hachnasat Orchim（接待賓客）的猶太價值。Kosher料理成為連結台北與耶路撒冷、外交部與古代會幕（Mishkan）之間的文化橋樑。

許多來賓感動不已，不僅為美味餐點，更為這份料理背後所蘊含的精神內涵與信仰堅持。

Kosher無所不在——信仰在公共領域中閃耀

這場歷史性時刻證明，Kosher不只屬於家中餐桌或會堂，而是可以走入任何一個有信仰、有誠意的空間。從我們JCC廚房一路走進外交部的殿堂，這是猶太人自豪、實踐與身份的美麗展現。這是JTCA以全體台灣成員，精湛呈現出Kosher美食，更時時以猶台文化相容飛揚的美妙火花，綻放在每個人心中！

如同《先賢箴言》中所說：「在無人為人的地方，你要努力成為那個人。」在台灣，我們努力成為照亮世界的那道光。

A Covenant of Joy and Blessing

Celebrating Life, Faith, and Continuity at the JCC

喜悅與祝福交織的生命之約

一位新生命的誕生，一場屬於整個社群的感動時刻

On May,2025, the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center had the joy of welcoming a newborn baby boy into our spiritual family. In our synagogue, he experienced his very first life milestone: the Brit Milah, or Covenant of Circumcision.

Surrounded by loving family and friends, the event was filled with heartfelt blessings, Torah readings, and joyful singing—a sacred and celebratory gathering where life, faith, and community came together.

What is Brit Milah?

According to Jewish tradition, a baby boy is circumcised on the eighth day after birth. This ritual, dating back over 3,000 years to the covenant with Abraham, symbolizes his formal entry into the Jewish people and his eternal bond with God.

For this special ceremony, we used one of our museum’s most treasured artifacts — a 17th-century Elijah’s Chair, representing the presence of the Prophet Elijah, who is said to spiritually attend every Brit Milah as a witness.

And what moved us most — a new Jewish life was born right here in Taiwan.
On this distant island, Jewish identity, faith, and culture continue to flourish. It was not only a personal celebration, but a communal moment of continuity and hope.

Click to watch the video from that day: you’ll hear joyful songs, see heartfelt prayers, and feel the warmth of our community. Join us in celebrating this sacred and meaningful tradition.

Mazal Tov! May this little boy grow up in love and tradition, and become a light for our future.
מזל טוב! שיגדל לתורה, לחופה ולמעשים טובים

2025年5月，我們JCC迎來一位猶太家庭的小男嬰，並在猶太聖殿中舉行了他人生中的第一場神聖儀式——割禮之約（Brit Milah）。

現場充滿笑聲與祝福，親朋好友齊聚一堂，一同吟唱詩歌、誦讀妥拉、獻上祈禱。那是一個屬於生命、信仰與社群的神聖片刻。

什麼是 Brit Milah？

根據猶太傳統，男嬰出生後第八天會接受割禮，象徵他與上帝立約，正式成為猶太民族的一員。這項傳統可追溯至三千多年前亞伯拉罕的時代，至今依然被世世代代虔誠遵守。

這次的儀式中，我們特別使用了JCC博物館珍藏之一——來自17世紀的伊利亞之椅，象徵先知伊利亞作為靈性見證者，出席每一場Brit Milah，是此儀式中最具意義的傳統寶座之一。

而最讓人感動的是——在台灣，又一位猶太生命誕生了！
在這片土地上，信仰與文化的火炬仍然傳承著。這不只是一個家庭的歡喜，更是我們整個社群對「生命」最深的祝福與見證。

點擊觀看當天的影片，歌聲中滿是喜悅，祈禱中流淌著祝福。我們誠摯邀請您，一同見證這場屬於我們的神聖時刻。

Mazal Tov! 願這位小男孩在愛與傳承中健康成長，成為我們未來的一道光！
מזל טוב! שיגדל לתורה, לחופה ולמעשים טובים

A Heartfelt Visit from Israel: Mayor Benny Biton at JCC
A Cultural Journey of Warmth, Faith, and Connection
以色列迪莫納市長 Benny Biton 蒞臨 JCC

一場跨越文化與信仰的深度交流之旅

In May 2025, we were deeply honored to welcome Mayor Benny Biton of Dimona, Israel, to the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center during his busy schedule at the Taipei Smart City Summit.

From the Mikveh (ritual bath) to our Synagogue, Mayor Biton was visibly moved, stopping to exclaim: “Wow, this is unbelievable!”

Later that evening, he dined at our Kosher Culinary Lab, enjoying classic Jewish cuisine prepared with care and in full accordance with kashrut. Every bite reminded him of home.

The visit was personally hosted by our founder, Mr. Jeffrey D. Schwartz, who guided Mayor Biton through the story, spirit, and soul of our Jewish center—offering insight into how tradition, community, and vision come together in Taiwan.

Toda raba, Mayor Biton! תודה רבה
Thank you for your visit, your kind words, and your encouragement. You are always welcome in Taiwan—ברוכים הבאים!

2025年5月，來自以色列迪莫納市的市長 Benny Biton，在台北智慧城市高峰會的百忙行程中，特別撥冗來到薛智偉猶太社區中心（JCC），展開一場溫馨而充滿文化深度的參訪。

從全台唯一的猶太浸禮堂 Mikveh，到神聖典雅的猶太聖殿 Synagogue，Biton 市長處處流露讚嘆，走進聖殿時更驚呼：「這裡太美了，真的令人難以置信！」

當晚，他也在本中心所設的潔食實驗室中享用猶太經典料理，每一道菜餚都讓他吃得津津有味，直呼「回到家的味道」。

此次參訪由創始人薛智偉先生親自接待與導覽，從歷史、信仰、生活到未來願景，完整呈現我們社區中心的精神樣貌，傳遞台灣猶太文化的持續與發展。

Toda Raba, Biton 市長！
感謝您對我們的讚賞與支持，歡迎您隨時再訪台灣，我們的大門永遠為您敞開！ברוכים הבאים！

15th Anniversary Gala of the Taiwan Israel Chamber of Commerce(TICC)

台灣以色列商業文化促進會 15 週年慶晚宴

On this special evening, the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Taipei had the great honor of hosting a meaningful celebration—the 15th Anniversary Gala of the Taiwan Israel Chamber of Commerce(TICC). Hundred guests joined us to witness and celebrate the enduring friendship between Taiwan and Israel.

This year, we were especially proud to mark a new milestone—Mr. Jeffrey D. Schwartz, founder of JTCA, has officially joined the Chamber’s Board of Directors!

The evening opened with a beautiful performance by a live string ensemble, followed by inspiring speeches from Mr. Aviv Doron, Head of the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, and Mr. Stephen Hsu, Chairman of TICC. They shared powerful insights into the growing cooperation between Taiwan and Israel in technology, culture, and business.

All dishes served were certified kosher, prepared with meticulous care to honor tradition and faith. Many of the items featured authentic Israeli flavors, delighting international guests with a taste of home. For Mr. Schwartz, each dish was nothing short of “a diamond on the plate”—a reflection of our deep commitment to kosher quality and cultural respect.

Before the dinner began, we unveiled a custom-made 15th anniversary cake , created by our very own JCC Kosher Culinary Lab. Guests gathered for group photos, capturing a moment of joy, connection, and celebration.

Fifteen years marks not only a rich history—it is also the beginning of a new chapter. May we continue to walk together toward an even more prosperous and meaningful future.

L’Chaim—to life, to friendship, to shared purpose.