A Covenant of Faith: Celebrating New Life Through the Brit Milah Ceremony
Dear Friends,
Do you remember the over 150-year-old "Chair of Elijah" I introduced to you before, proudly displayed in our Jewish Art & Judaica Museum? Recently, this historic piece once again served its sacred purpose as we witnessed a beautiful and holy ceremony—a Brit Milah—welcoming a precious new life into our community.
Every Brit Milah is a profound moment in Jewish tradition, symbolizing faith and the continuity of life. On the eighth day after birth, every Jewish boy participates in this sacred ritual, forming an eternal covenant with G-d and officially becoming a member of the Jewish community, carrying forward thousands of years of culture and faith.
I was deeply honored to serve as the kvatter, entrusted with the meaningful role of bringing the baby to the "Elijah's Chair," a moment filled with reverence and blessings. Amid heartfelt prayers, the mohel performed the ritual with care, and the baby's Jewish name, Daniel, was formally announced. This name carries profound significance, symbolizing trust in G-d and the belief that "G-d is my judge," even in times of challenge or doubt.
In Jewish tradition, every name reflects the hopes and aspirations of the family for their child. The "Chair of Elijah" itself symbolizes the prophet Elijah's protection and his role in witnessing the miracle of life. During this ceremony, it once again illuminated the hope of new beginnings, strengthening our bond with our ancestors and faith.
After the ceremony, we celebrated with joyous singing of "Mazel Tov ve-Siman Tov!" and danced hand in hand, rejoicing in the blessing of this new life. The celebration continued with a feast, where we shared blessings and gifts with the proud parents of baby Daniel.
As a member of Taiwan's Jewish community, I feel immense pride and gratitude to have been part of such a faith-filled and love-filled occasion. I wholeheartedly wish for baby Daniel to grow up embracing the wisdom and courage of Jewish tradition, becoming a shining star within our community and beyond.
From Abstract to Emotional: Science Reimagined Through Art
Last month, on the 26th, the grand opening of the "Technion Wisdom: The Art of Scientist" exhibition took place at National Taiwan University (NTU), a collaboration between the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and NTU. This groundbreaking event brings together science and art in an extraordinary way, offering audiences a chance to explore cutting-edge scientific research through the lens of art.
The exhibition attracted an impressive array of attendees from academia and the cultural community, highlighting the deep connections between Israel and Taiwan in both science and culture. As the co-founder of JTCA, I was deeply honored to attend this meaningful event alongside NaTang. It was inspiring to witness how art can humanize and breathe emotion into the often intimidating world of science, and I was thrilled to share my thoughts and experiences with the attendees.
For many, science can seem distant, abstract, or even unapproachable. Yet this exhibition, meticulously curated by renowned interdisciplinary artist Anat Har-Gil, transforms complex scientific concepts into visually stunning works of art. These creations are more than just captivating—they evoke profound emotional resonance, bridging the gap between logic and beauty, and sparking curiosity in every viewer.
Attending this exhibition, I felt a deep appreciation for the limitless potential of combining science and art. This isn’t just about understanding science; it’s about feeling its impact, being inspired by its possibilities, and nurturing a collective curiosity about the unknown. I left with a renewed sense of wonder and a hope for more groundbreaking collaborations that unite innovation with creativity, bringing fresh ideas and inspiration to the world.
Global Collaboration: JCC and Austrian Service Abroad Unite to Foster Peace and Cultural Exchange
If you’ve ever visited the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center (JCC), chances are you’ve been greeted by the bright smiles and boundless energy of our young Austrian volunteers. Their warmth and enthusiasm bring life to every corner of our center, fueling our mission to promote cultural exchange and understanding.
AustrianService Abroad, founded in 1991, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering peace and cross-cultural understanding through remembrance, education, and action. Each year, the program sends over 100 young Austrians to serve in museums, NGOs, educational institutions, think tanks, and even hospitals and eldercare facilities worldwide. Their work is guided by three core principles: Memoria, Misericordia, and Pax. As an alternative to mandatory military service, this program enables young Austrians to contribute meaningfully to global communities.
At the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Museum of Jewish Art & Judaica, our Austrian volunteers lead visitors from around the globe through powerful explorations of Jewish culture and history. Their tours shed light on the Holocaust's dark past, urging us to honor its memory and safeguard peace for future generations. Over at the Kosher Culinary Lab, these dedicated volunteers share the beauty of Jewish kosher traditions with a smile, ensuring that every meal becomes a gateway to cultural discovery.
Since partnering with Austrian Service Abroad in 2021, the JCC has welcomed a fresh wave of passionate young volunteers each year. This year, we are thrilled to introduce Adriana, a mathematics enthusiast from Vienna, and Moritz, a civil engineering talent from Linz. Their unique perspectives and talents breathe new life into our center, helping us achieve our mission of cultural and educational exchange.
We are deeply grateful for the heart and dedication of every volunteer who has enriched the JCC. As we look to the future, we eagerly anticipate welcoming more global friends to join us in this cross-cultural journey. Together, let’s continue building bridges of understanding and harmony to create a world filled with peace and unity.
Registration Now Open for the 2025 NaTang Charity Yoga Workshop!
It's that time of the year again – when NaTang leadsus on a journey to strengthen both mind and body!
Remember last year's program? Everyone left feelingrefreshed, recharged, and uplifted – not to mention how delicious the mealsprepared by the Kosher Culinary Lab were!
Now, the 2025 NaTang‘s charity yoga workshop is openfor registration! This year, teascher Tang has specially designed a full-dayprogram that you absolutely don’t want to miss.
With love and blessings, JTCA warmly invites you tojoin us in this incredible experience of self-discovery and growth. Seats arelimited, so don’t wait!
For inquiries, please call us at ☎️ (02) 2700-0366 #2
The Jewish Olympics: The Glorious Stage of the Maccabiah Games 2025
Recently, Taiwan captured the world’s attention with a groundbreaking victory in the WBSC Premier 12 Baseball Tournament. Not only did Team Taiwan seize the global championship, but they also ended Japan’s incredible 27-game winning streak! This historic achievement is more than just a win—it’s a defining moment for Taiwan’s baseball legacy, symbolizing the exceptional resilience and competitive spirit of Taiwanese athletes on the global stage.
Meanwhile, the Jewish world has its very own “Jewish Olympics”—the Maccabiah Games. Held every four years, this global sporting event unites elite Jewish athletes from over 60 countries. With competitions spanning a wide variety of sports—from track and swimming to basketball and rugby—the Maccabiah Games showcase the remarkable talents and unbreakable spirit of Jewish athletes worldwide.
The Maccabean Spirit: The Heart of the Games
The Maccabiah Games derive their name from the Maccabees, heroes of Jewish history. In 167 BCE, the Maccabees led the Maccabean Revolt, successfully reclaiming the Holy Temple and inspiring the miraculous story of Hanukkah. This victory symbolizes light triumphing over darkness and reflects the Jewish values of resilience and unity.
The Maccabiah Games were established to honor this legacy, celebrating Jewish heritage through sports and fostering cultural pride, unity, and the pursuit of physical and mental excellence.
JTCA’s Vision: Looking Ahead to 2025
The upcoming Maccabiah Games, set to take place in July 2025 in Israel, are not just a sports event but a significant platform for global Jewish community connection and unity.
While Taiwan has yet to make its debut on this prestigious stage, we firmly believe that the Taiwan team will one day proudly step onto it, serving as a vital bridge between Taiwan and the world.
We are eager to see Taiwan shine in the 2025 Maccabiah Games! Let Taiwan’s flag wave alongside the enduring spirit and resilience of the Jewish people on this international stage. JTCA is currently recruiting Jewish athletes who are passionate about sports. Join us and help create an inspiring new chapter for Taiwan on the global stage, fueled by teamwork, determination, and cultural pride.
The Maccabiah Games are more than a sports competition; they represent unity and cultural pride. On this international platform, Taiwan’s Jewish athletes will not only showcase their skills but also share Taiwan's warmth and friendliness, connecting with Jewish communities worldwide and forging meaningful bonds.
Through sports, we build more than physical strength—we cultivate perseverance, teamwork, and cross-cultural understanding. We eagerly invite you to join us on this journey to Maccabiah, connecting the world through sports and igniting the future with the spirit of the Maccabees!
*For inquiries and registration, please email us at 👉 Maccabi2025@jtca.org.tw
Click here for more registration details
Hanukkah 5785: Lighting the Flame of Hope with us
As the year draws to a close, the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, is once again here to brighten the winter season with its symbols of light and hope. This year, we warmly invite you to join Chabad Taiwan in celebrating the 5785 Hanukkah Festival again! A cultural event filled with love, joy, and warmth that you can share with family and friends!
The celebration will take place on Sunday, the 29th, at 4 PM at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Join us to experience the traditions of Jewish culture: light the Hanukkah menorah together, savor delicious holiday treats, sing lively traditional songs, and enjoy fun-filled activities and performances specially designed for children. It’s a festival brimming with surprises and delight, and we’d love for you to be part of it!
In Hebrew, "Hanukkah" means "dedication," commemorating the miracle of the First Temple where a small amount of oil, enough for only one day, miraculously burned for eight. Hanukkah represents the triumph of light over darkness, capturing the resilient and enduring spirit of the Jewish people. Every year, we come together to light the menorah, indulge in traditional fried foods, and celebrate the message of hope and love that continues to shine through even the toughest challenges.
When the candles are lit, they illuminate more than just the night; they symbolize a future filled with peace and hope. This year, let’s once again come together to share the warmth of light, breakthrough cultural boundaries, and spread the profound beauty of Jewish traditions. Let’s light up Taipei, celebrate Hanukkah, and usher in the joy of 5785 together!
Warm Regards,
Jeffrey D. Schwartz & Na Tang
Co-founders, Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association
