A Legendary Figure Witnessing History: Prof. Meron Medzini Visits the JCC
Dear Friends,
While not everyone in Taiwan may be familiar with the name Meron Medzini, many have heard of the Yom Kippur War, which broke out on October 6th, 1973, during one of the most sacred Jewish holidays, Yom Kippur. The war lasted nearly 20 days, with Egypt and Syria launching an attack on Israel in an attempt to regain the territories lost in the 1967 Six-Day War. Although the Arab coalition gained the upper hand initially, Israel ultimately turned the tide, reshaping the Middle East's political landscape and impacting global energy markets.
During the war, Medzini served as the Press Secretary of Israel's Government and was the spokesperson for Prime Minister Golda Meir, also known as "Israel's Iron Lady." His calm demeanor and professionalism were crucial, particularly in the war’s early stages when Israel was at a disadvantage. He ensured that Israel’s position was widely understood and supported internationally.
At 92, Medzini is a distinguished scholar with a Ph.D. from Harvard University, and his contributions span the fields of history, politics, journalism, and education. He not only chronicled Israel’s modern history but also authored "Taiwan: History, Society, and Politics" in Hebrew. This book introduces Taiwan’s democracy, economic transformation, industrial development, and education system, providing Israeli readers with a window into Taiwan. It has been used in academic institutions and high schools in Israel, fostering cultural and economic interaction between the two nations, and playing a crucial role in bilateral cooperation.
I was honored to attend the 3rd Taiwan-Israel Bilateral Exchange Conference, hosted by National Chengchi University's Institute of International Relations, alongside Professor Meron Medzini. The conference focused on the evolving international landscape and discussed how Taiwan and Israel could strengthen their collaboration to address emerging geopolitical and economic challenges. I also had the opportunity to share my views on bilateral trade and cultural exchange, hoping to further enhance the economic, cultural, and academic cooperation between Taiwan and Israel, with JTCA as a key player.
After the conference, I had the privilege of leading Professor Medzini and scholars from the Hebrew University on a visit to the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center (JCC). During our museum tour, I introduced our mission to preserve and promote Jewish culture and to facilitate cross-cultural understanding. We aim to use this sacred space to break down barriers between races and cultures, fostering mutual respect and collaboration. Professor Medzini expressed his deep admiration for our work, recognizing its significance for both Taiwan and the Jewish community.
Amid the ongoing global unrest and wars, Professor Medzini emphasized the importance of Israel maintaining calm and united. He advised that diplomatic efforts should take precedence in seeking long-term peaceful solutions. Together, we pray for global peace and look forward to further breakthroughs in cultural, economic, and academic cooperation between Taiwan and Israel, allowing understanding and dialogue to become powerful forces for peace.
Rebirth in Hope: The Celebration of Rosh Hashanah 5785
As time flies, we find ourselves welcoming yet another year. The past year has been filled with challenges and uncertainty, but as we usher in the Jewish year 5785, our hearts remain filled with hope, prayers for peace, and the safe return of our loved ones.
On the stormy evening when Typhoon Krathon swept through Taiwan, we gathered at the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center to celebrate Rosh Hashanah 5785. Despite the wind and rain, we came together to share this meaningful moment, a moment filled with hope, unity, and the promise of renewal.
We are deeply grateful to every friend and family member who joined us for this special evening. Your presence turned this gathering into more than just a holiday celebration—it became a powerful testament to the strength of our community. It was especially heartwarming to see not only local and international Jews come together, but also so many Taiwanese friends who came joined to embrace and support Jewish culture. This is the essence of what makes JTCA so special—our ability to foster mutual understanding, respect, and friendship across cultures and backgrounds. We strive to create a sanctuary for the Jewish community in Taiwan while promoting cultural exchange and understanding, believing that through these connections, we contribute to a more peaceful world. In this sacred space, free from the boundaries of race, religion, and belief, we feel the profound love and blessings that unite us all.
This year’s celebration, like every year, began with Rabbi Shlomi Tabib leading us in the new year prayers and the lighting of the candles. Each symbolic food on the table carried its own special meaning—pomegranates for abundance, apples and honey for sweetness in the coming year, and the round challah bread, crowned with glory, symbolizing goodness and the eternal cycle of life. And this year, our Kosher Culinary Lab elevated the evening even further with its groundbreaking debut of Kosher Chinese cuisine. For the first time, traditional Jewish and Chinese culinary traditions came together in an unforgettable fusion, allowing Jews from all over the world to uphold their religious practices while also experiencing Taiwan’s globally renowned food culture.
Rosh Hashanah is a time for reflection and renewal. It’s a moment for us to look back on the past year with gratitude and forward with hope for peace, sweetness, and growth. Though our hearts still ache for those who cannot return home, I want to share a message of strength: no matter how difficult the times, we can endure through unity and resilience. As we step into this new year, let us all pray for an end to conflict and war, for the safe return of all those far from home, and for the light of peace to shine across the world.
As we celebrate the start of year 5785, I send you all my warmest wishes for a year filled with health, happiness, and peace. May 5785 be a year of goodness, health, and peace for all of us. Let love and blessings surround us as we walk together toward a brighter future.
Shana Tova!
From Boy to Man: A Moment of Growth and Tradition
Witnessing the transformation of a child into an adult is always a deeply moving and hopeful experience. For every Jewish girl, the Bat Mitzvah, taking place at age 12, and for every Jewish boy, the Bar Mitzvah at age 13, is one of the most significant milestones in their life. It marks the moment they step into adulthood, taking on new responsibilities and embracing their role in the Jewish community.
After this meaningful and blessed ceremony, the adolescent is granted all the rights and obligations of an adult, including the commitment to follow the commandments of the Torah and the responsibility to care for their family. From that day forward, they can wear the full set of prayer garments, participate in synagogue rituals, and take their place as a vital member of the community.
After this meaningful and blessed ceremony, a young man is granted all the rights and obligations of an adult, including the commitment to follow the commandments of the Torah and the responsibility to care for his family. From that day forward, he can wear the full set of prayer garments, participate in synagogue rituals, and take his place as a vital member of the community.
Recently, at the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center (JCC), we had the privilege of witnessing yet another beautiful and significant Bar Mitzvah ceremony. It is with great joy that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our dear friends, the Leinwand family, as they celebrate their eldest son Gavriel taking this monumental step in his life and beginning a new chapter filled with hope and promise.
Before this day, I had always known Gavriel as a bright and energetic boy. But seeing him stand confidently on the bimah, after months of preparation, delivering his speech and reciting the Torah in Hebrew for the first time, I was deeply moved. It was a moment of realization—he had grown into a remarkable young man. I am certain that his parents, like myself, felt an overwhelming sense of pride, as did our entire Jewish community.
After Gavriel completed his Torah reading, the room filled with joyful shouts of "Mazal tov un siman tov!" as everyone sang and tossed sweets toward him, symbolizing the blessings and sweetness that rain down from the heavens on this special occasion.
Of course, such a momentous day called for a grand celebration. As we entered the reception hall, we were greeted by elegant silver and navy blue decorations, symbolizing nobility and maturity, perfectly reflecting the spirit of this young man. The atmosphere in the JCC was electric with joy, as guests shared in a delicious feast and danced to lively music. One of the most touching moments of the evening was the first dance between Gavriel and his mother. They chose a beloved Hebrew song that tells the story of a mother and her little hero. This dance expressed a mother’s pride in her son’s growth and conveyed her love, hopes, and dreams for his future.
It was truly a day filled with hope and emotion. I am incredibly proud of Gavriel and look forward to seeing all of our young people grow into shining lights for the future, carrying forward the timeless wisdom of the Torah.
Focusing on Sustainability: A Successful Conclusion to the Second "潮·永續” Forum
We are honored to have recently hosted the second 潮·永續 Forum at the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center (JCC). This event, focused on driving sustainability in both government and corporate sectors, attracted prominent figures from industry, government, and academia. Taipei Mayor Wayne Chiang was among the distinguished guests, speaking passionately about the importance of environmental protection. Co-hosted by JTCA and Read to Believe, the forum aimed to offer businesses practical, actionable solutions for embracing sustainable development, advancing net-zero carbon emissions, and fostering a platform for technological exchange and innovation.
As a cultural bridge, the JCC has long been committed to promoting interaction between Taiwan and other nations. Through the Sustainability Forum, the JCC also emphasized the importance of protecting the environment and all living beings, advocating for the urgent need to adopt sustainable development principles.
Na Tang, my wife and the co-founder of JTCA and the sustainability ambassador of this event, has consistently championed eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyles. As a yoga instructor, she highlighted the connection between personal well-being and environmental conservation during the forum, stating: “Yoga is an exercise that promotes detoxification and regeneration within the body, and fostering sustainability must start from the 'self'.” During the event, Na Tang led the Mayor and other distinguished guests in a yoga session, demonstrating how breathing and movement can symbolize holistic sustainability—from personal health to environmental stewardship.
Mayor Chiang also shared updates on Taipei’s efforts to promote green finance and net-zero carbon policies, initiatives that are expected to significantly impact both the lives of citizens and the city’s environmental health. Corporate representatives attending the forum shared their own experiences as well, with Foxconn discussing the delicate balance between government regulations and supply chain demands, and the critical role that environmental policies play in enhancing corporate competitiveness.
One of the forum’s highlights was the insights shared by experts from various fields, who presented cutting-edge perspectives and forward-looking technologies. Their contributions deepened the participants' understanding of the latest innovations in environmental protection, reinforcing the significance of sustainable development.
This year’s forum coincided with the approach of the Jewish New Year 5785, and guests exchanged the traditional Hebrew greeting, “Shana Tova!” to wish each other a happy and prosperous new year. Rabbi Shlomi Tabib blew the shofar, symbolizing the arrival of the autumn harvest and reminding everyone of the importance of faith and reflection.
With over 5,000 years of history, Jewish culture remains a cornerstone of wisdom and tradition. JTCA serves as a bridge between Taiwan and global Jewish communities, and through each event, we seek to promote cultural enrichment, education, personal well-being, and, most importantly, the values of sustainability. "Sustainability" and "net-zero" are more than just slogans—they represent the real actions that every global citizen must take. We look forward to working together with everyone to create a greener, more sustainable future for our beautiful planet.
Warm Regards,
Jeffrey D. Schwartz & Na Tang
Co-founders, Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association
