The tangible remnants of miracles preserved for millennia: The Mysterious Rocks from Mt. Sinai
Dear Friends,
In the "The Jeffrey D. Schwartz Museum of Jewish Art & Judaica" has recently acquired several extremely precious and sacred collections, which have brought us immense honor and blessings.
According to the Midrash*, all the rocks on Mount Sinai were imprinted with an image resembling thorns.This legend originates from the story of Moses encountering the "Burning Bush," which was considered an incarnation of G-d.
When G-d sent Moses back to Egypt to inform the Jewish people about the upcoming redemption and then return to Mount Sinai, Moses asked, "How will I be sure which mountain to return to?" Then G-d performed a miracle, causing all the rocks on Mount Sinai to bear the shape of the "Burning Bush". This allowed Moses to recognize the mountain upon his return.
However, even that there's no one can definitively identify the location of Mount Sinai today. But there is a mountain in the central part of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt where all its rocks display fern-like or thorn-like patterns. Local people maintain that no other mountain in the vicinity bears such marks. Even when you split these rocks, you will continue to see the same pattern on each new surface.
Each of these sacred stones, brought back by pilgrims, carries the divine energy of miracles. I feel immensely privileged to house such sacred artifacts within the "Jeffery D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center." Beyond their intrinsic power, they bring us boundless blessings. We welcome each of you visiting to pause and admire these artifacts, experiencing firsthand the tangible remnants of miracles preserved for millennia.
*Midrash is a method of interpreting and explaining the Torah, to help understand the deeper meanings and applications of it. It typically involves commentary, stories, metaphors, and legal interpretations related to the stories and laws in Torah.
Year 5784 Passover Seder: Seats are selling fast!!
It feels like just in the blink of an eye, a new year is upon us, and we are about to celebrate the Passover festival of the Jewish year 5784! During this significant holiday, Jews not only gather to celebrate but also commemorate a historical and traditional moment of faith and redemption.Passover commemorates the day over three thousand years ago when the Jewish people successfully escaped from slavery in Egypt, making it one of the most important festivals for the Jewish community.
Just like in previous years, the “Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish CommunityCenter” will host Passover Seders, and this year it's on April 22nd and April 25th. In addition to the Jewish community-exclusive event on April 22nd, April 25th is unique, specifically host for non-Jewish individuals. The event will be conducted in English, Mandarin, and a small amount of Hebrew, providing an opportunity for all those interested in Jewish culture to experience and understand the ancient rituals and meanings of Passover.
Each year, in preparation for Passover, the "Kosher Culinary Lab" undergoes a thorough purification ritual, ensuring that all tableware, dishes, and also every corner of the kitchen are cleansed to eliminate any traces of "Chametz" which means leaven, in strict adherence to Passover tradition. During Passover, there are also strict dietary guidelines for Jews to follow. Therefore, from April 18th to April 25th, in addition to attending the annual Passover dinner, you can also experience unique Passover special meals at the "Kosher Culinary Lab." Please note that during this period, the "Kosher Culinary Lab" will not offer its regular menu.
Let's reunite at the "Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center" this year, following Rabbi Shlomi's lead in traditional prayers, reviewing the stories, eating matzah, drinking four cups of wine, enjoying festive cuisine, and asking questions as the four children!
5784 Passover Seder, tickets are now available!
Bridging Cultures: AmCham Taiwan's Journey into Tradition at the JCC
The "Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center" welcomes friends from all over the world every day. Shining from Taiwan, we've made it onto the world stage, a result of our continuous efforts. Providing a place for our friends in Taiwan to feel proud and experience something sacred and beautiful is one of our main goals. Besides offering a safe haven for the Jewish community in Taiwan to practice their faith freely, we also aim to provide an opportunity for anyone interested in Jewish culture to explore and understand the rich and profound Jewish history and culture through the "The Jeffrey D. Schwartz Museum of Jewish Art & Judaica" and the "Kosher Culinary Lab," there by promoting understanding and harmony among world cultures.
I was also delighted to welcome our local friends from the "American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (AmCham Taiwan)" team recently. Through our fascinating guided tours and the opportunity to admire hundreds of Jewish artifacts, they enjoyed a wonderful journey through millennia of culture. Stepping into the sacred Synagogue, in particular, was deeply moving, as if experiencing a consecration of love and blessings. AmCham Taiwan has always been our great partner in promoting Jewish culture in Taiwan. Their excellent "TOPICS" business magazine has also featured our unique "Kosher Culinary Lab," allowing more people to understand the preciousness of "Kosher."
We extend an open invitation to everyone to come and explore this mysterious and unique Jewish culture. We hope you too can delve into the religious and cultural traditions of millennia through the cultural and culinary journey of the "Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center."
Warm Regards,
Jeffrey D. Schwartz & NaTang
Co-founders, Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association
