Celebrating the 76th Anniversary of the State of Israel's Independence Taiwan-Israel Friendship Aspiring for World Peace Together
Dear friends,
This year, we had the honor of celebrating Israel's 76th Independence Day together with the Representative Office of Israel in Taipei here at the JCC, and we are also grateful that Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Tien Chung-Kwang joined the celebration. In this challenging moment, we need even stronger faith that the world will become better. This is a heartwarming retrospect of the 30-year friendship betweenTaiwan and Israel, and a joyous occasion filled with emotions and hope.
During the event, our good friend, Representative of Israel Office in Taipei, Maya Yaron delivered a warm speech praising the mutually beneficial Taiwan-Israel friendship, and introduced the wonderful "Dream Doctors Project".
The "Dream Doctors Project" is a non-profit organization from Israel that has been training professional medical clowns as interdisciplinary healthcare team members for over 20 years. In addition to creating a warmer and more relaxing atmosphere in hospitals, the medical clowns also aim to help disaster victims regain their smiles through music, games, and physical performances, transcending language and cultural barriers to provide not only physical but also spiritual healing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the "Dream Doctors" were also the only medical clowns working in COVID wards worldwide.
After the devastating earthquake in Hualien, Taiwan, which caused severe damage and ongoing aftershocks, plunging the local community into anxiety, the Representative Office of Israel in Taipei invited two "Dream Doctors" - Yaron Sancho Goshen and Nimrod Eisenberg - to Taiwan to spread love and laughter. They performed at schools, medical centers, and care facilities in Hualien, as well as at National Taiwan University Children's Hospital and various day care centers in Taipei, bringing joy and strength to young and old, transcending language barriers to show care and comfort those suffering from illness or disaster.
During the Independence Day reception, we were deeply moved by the soulful and Jewish-themed performances of Israeli pianist Oren Dashti and British violinist Matt Garbutt.
As a young and vibrant nation, Israel has achieved remarkable accomplishments in culture, economy, and technology - a source of pride for the Israeli people and a model for the world to learn from. On this special day, we not only bless Israel, but also look forward to even closer cooperation between our two countries. Whether in economic develop mentor cultural exchange, we aspire to work hand-in-hand with the world to embrace a brighter and more peaceful future.
Home away from home: From Israel to Taiwan
Reichman University, Israel exchange students visit the JTCA
This month, we welcome outstanding Students from Reichman University, Israel, for an exchange visit to Taiwan. Although it's more than 8,000 kilometers away from Israel, the students felt a sense of "returning home" the moment they stepped into the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center.
Through the museum tour, the students were repeatedly amazed to find that in this Asian country which is so distant from Israel and Jewish culture, there stands a museum housing such a vast collection of precious Jewish artifacts. They were especially astonished to discover the museum's extensive collection of the sacred Torahs, beyond anywhere else they had ever seen.
The visiting students are all elite members of Reichman University's "Argov Fellows Program in Leadership and Diplomacy." They are all the future leaders and professionals in various fields. This is the 18th edition of the program, which integrates academic training, practical skills, and experiential learning. The program often focuses on exploring solutions to the various challenges facing Israel and the Jewish world. As part of the program, the students also travel to different countries to learn through cross-cultural experiences.
Promoting education has long been one of JTCA's core missions. In addition to hosting visiting students, our "Taiwan Student Israel Study Tour Program" also continues to run. We look forward to seeing our outstanding Taiwanese students becoming increasingly connected with the world, shining in their respective fields in the future.
“The Chair of Elijah": From 17th Century Iran to Contemporary Jewish Practices in Taiwan
Among the hundreds of artifacts in the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Museum of Jewish Art & Judaica, one of my personal favorites is the "Chair of Elijah" from 17th-century Iran. This chair is not only a historic antique but also a deeply significant ritual object in Jewish culture.
The importance of the "Chair of Elijah" lies in its special role within Judaism. On the eighth day after the birth of every Jewish boy, this chair is used for the sacred ritual known as "Brit Milah" (ברית מילה). This ceremony symbolizes the holy covenant between the Jewish people and G-d, forming a fundamental part of the Jewish faith.
The Brit Milah ceremony holds a long-standing history and profound religious significance in Judaism, representing Jewish identity and the continuity of religious beliefs. All participants in the ceremony feel its sanctity and solemnity. During the ritual, the baby boy is placed on the "Chair of Elijah," and the procedure is performed by a professionally trained "Mohel". According to tradition, the prophet Elijah is believed to be present, watching over the baby and safeguarding the sacred covenant. After the ceremony, the baby officially becomes a member of the community, beginning a lifelong connection with G-d and his religion.
At the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Museum of Jewish Art & Judaica, this 17th-century Iranian "Chair of Elijah," now over four centuries old, stands out with its intricate carvings, stunning jewel decorations, and profound historical significance. It is undoubtedly one of the treasures of our collection. However, it is not merely a display item. Whenever a new Jewish boy is born in Taiwan, this sacred "Chair of Elijah" is brought into our synagogue for the Brit Milah ceremony.
Thus, beyond being a centuries-old artifact and a beautiful piece of art, the "Chair of Elijah" remains a living, sacred cultural heritage, continuing to fulfill its original holy purpose even today.
Through both display and actual use, the "Chair of Elijah" at our museum continues to carry its historical significance into the present, allowing more people to appreciate and understand its deep cultural meaning. Each time a Jewish boy undergoes the Brit Milah ceremony on this chair, this ancient historical artifact completes its sacred mission once again.
The Jeffrey D. Schwartz & Na Tang Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association (JTCA) is dedicated to cultural promotion and preservation. Every artifact in our collection carries rich stories and historical backgrounds. We hope that as you visit, you can gain a deeper understanding of the beauty and depth of Jewish culture through these wonderful artifacts.
Warm Regards,
Jeffrey D. Schwartz & NaTang
Co-founders, Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association
