In Light, in Life — April Moments at the JCC
In Light, in Life — April Moments at the JCC
From shared traditions to personal milestones, discover a month filled with renewal, growth, and light.
In Memory and Togetherness
5786 Passover Seder at JCC
在記憶與相聚之中
5786年逾越節晚宴於 JCC
The Temple Plaza｜Return and Connection on the Journey
This year’s first-night Passover Seder welcomed more than 400 guests in total. Among them, around 200 participants gathered at the Temple Plaza for a special outdoor setting, primarily young Israeli backpackers and soldiers traveling through Asia.
Most of them are young, coming from diverse backgrounds and at different stages of life, currently moving across the world away from home. For many, Jewish life in Israel may not always be fully observed in its formal rhythm; yet while traveling abroad, these moments often become occasions where tradition is felt more directly and personally, in a different kind of setting.
That evening, under the tented space at the Temple Plaza, people arrived from different cities and different journeys, brought together by the same festival.
This year, JCC specially constructed a dedicated tent structure, designed and supported under the initiative of Founder Jeffrey D. Schwartz. At the center of the tent stood a prominent Star of David, visible under the night sky—symbolizing protection and blessing, and transforming the space from a gathering venue into a temporary setting of connection, where people could pause and reconnect with one another.
Led by Rabbi Leivy, the Seder officially began. Some participants were familiar with the recitation of the Haggadah and its traditional songs, naturally joining in singing, while others were experiencing the ritual for the first time in a foreign setting, following along with more tentative steps but sincere effort.
Regardless of familiarity, once the prayers began and the songs rose, everyone was brought together into the same night. Here, people prayed together, shared a meal together, and experienced the joy of the festival together.
Passover was no longer only a reenactment of ritual, but a moment where human connection was actively taking place.
＊4/1 英文場：逾越節晚宴於日落後展開，依傳統不使用電器，影像於日落前記錄。
＊April 1 (English Seder): As the Seder begins after sunset, when electronic devices are traditionally not used, visuals were documented beforehand.
聖殿廣場｜旅途中的回歸與連結
今年首夜晚宴，共有超過四百位賓客參與，其中約兩百位安排於聖殿廣場舉行特別場次，主要為來自以色列的年輕背包客與正在旅途中的士兵。
他們多數年紀輕、背景多元，許多人正處於離開家鄉、在世界各地移動的階段。有些人在以色列的日常生活中，未必會完整參與節慶儀式；但在遠離家鄉的旅途中，反而更容易在這樣的時刻，重新與傳統產生連結。
當晚，在聖殿廣場的帳篷空間中，人們從不同城市、不同旅程而來，因為同一個節日聚在一起。
今年 JCC 特別搭建專屬帳篷，由創始人薛智偉先生支持規劃設置。帳篷中央設有醒目的大衛之星（Star of David），在夜色中格外清晰，象徵守護與祝福，也讓整個空間不只是聚會場地，而更像是一個短暫停留、讓人重新與彼此連結的場域。
在拉比 Leivy 的帶領下，晚宴正式展開。有人熟悉《哈加達》的誦讀與歌曲，能自然地跟著吟唱；也有人第一次在異地參與儀式，動作略顯生澀，但仍努力跟上節奏。
不論熟悉或陌生，當歌聲響起、祈禱開始，所有人都在同一個夜晚被聚集在一起。
在這裡，大家一起祈禱、一起用餐、一起分享節日的喜悅。
逾越節不只是儀式的重現，而是人與人之間重新連結的發生。
The Ballroom｜A Gathering Beyond Distance
On the same night, in the JCC ballroom, around 200 guests from Taiwan, Israel, Europe, and the United States gathered for another Passover Seder.
For many Jewish individuals living in Asia, such occasions often carry a sense of distance.
Some have long left Israel to build lives and careers around the world; others arrived from Europe and the United States; and there are also members of the Jewish community who have settled in Taiwan and even raised families here. Daily life may place them in different cities, yet during festivals, the longing to sit together with family around the table remains deeply present.
That night at JCC, that feeling found another form of expression.
Across the tables, old friends who had not seen each other for years reunited, while young couples who had recently built families attended with their children. The children naturally played together in the space, while adults filled the room with conversation and laughter, catching up on moments they had missed.
Led by Rabbi Shlomi, the entire Seder unfolded through the recitation of the Haggadah. Songs, prayers, and table rituals intertwined, but more importantly, what emerged was not only the ritual itself, but the reconnection between people.
Some recited while turning to smile at their neighbors;
some quietly hummed along when familiar melodies were sung;
others simply sat in silence, yet carried a sense of calm and relief in their expressions.
Passover was no longer merely a reenactment of tradition, but the realization of “being together.”
At JCC, what we witnessed was not only the progression of a Seder, but a moment in Asia Taiwan where the Jewish community could once again come closer to one another and rediscover a sense of shared belonging.
Therefore, the role of JTCA / JCC has never been only that of an event venue, but rather a place that bears witness to how Jewish culture takes root in Asia, grows, and continues to be carried forward by the next generation.
＊4/1 英文場：逾越節晚宴於日落後展開，依傳統不使用電器，影像於日落前記錄。
＊April 1 (English Seder): As the Seder begins after sunset, when electronic devices are traditionally not used, visuals were documented beforehand.
大禮堂｜跨越距離的相聚
同一個夜晚，在 JCC 大禮堂中，約兩百位來自台灣、以色列、歐洲與美國的賓客，共同參與另一場逾越節晚宴。
對許多身處亞洲的猶太人而言，這樣的節日往往意味著距離。
有人長年離開以色列，在世界各地工作與生活；有人從歐洲、美國遠道而來；也有在台灣定居、甚至在此建立家庭的猶太社群。日常生活讓他們分散在不同城市，但在節日裡，那份「想要與家人一起坐在餐桌前」的渴望依然存在。
而這一晚，在 JCC，這件事以另一種方式發生了。
餐桌之間，有多年未見的老朋友重新相遇，也有剛建立家庭的年輕夫妻帶著孩子一同出席。孩子們在空間中自然地玩在一起，大人則在談話與笑聲中補上彼此錯過的日常。
在拉比 Shlomi 的帶領下，整場儀式以誦讀《哈加達》（Haggadah）展開。歌聲、祈禱與餐桌儀式交織進行，但更重要的，不只是儀式本身，而是人與人之間的重新連結。
有些人一邊誦讀，一邊轉頭與鄰座微笑；
有些人在某一段歌聲響起時，輕輕跟著哼唱；
也有人只是安靜坐著，但眼神裡帶著久違的放鬆。
逾越節不再只是傳統的重現，而是「相聚」本身正在被實現。
在 JCC，我們看見的，不只是晚宴的進行，而是一個在亞洲的空間，讓猶太社群可以重新靠近彼此、重新找到家庭感的時刻。
也因此，JTCA / JCC 所扮演的角色，從來不只是活動場地，而是——
一個見證猶太文化在亞洲落地、生長，甚至被下一代持續承接的地方。
The Chinese Seder｜Participation Through Understanding
A few days later, the Chinese-language Seder offered a different rhythm, and another expression of the cultural bridge that JCC continues to build.
That evening, more than one hundred guests from Taiwan gathered, with the event fully booked. For many participants, this was their first real encounter with Passover and their first time stepping into this tradition.
The entire Seder was led by Rabbi Shlomi through the reading of the Haggadah. However, for first-time participants, the content was unfamiliar. Therefore, explanations and guidance were incorporated throughout the ritual, allowing guests to understand the meaning behind each action.
When the matzah was brought to the table, its symbolism was explained, and guests were invited to taste it themselves. In experiencing it directly, they came to understand that it represents the haste of the Exodus—when there was no time for dough to rise, and only the most basic food could be taken on the journey.
During the Seder plate section, guests listened to explanations while tasting symbolic foods—the bitterness of the maror, and potatoes dipped in salt water, representing the suffering and tears of the Israelites in Egypt. What was once historical narrative became tangible experience.
The atmosphere was deeply attentive. Some listened carefully, others reflected in silence, and some gently nodded at moments of realization.
This was no longer simply “learning about Passover,” but an entry into understanding it through participation.
To have such a space in Taipei Taiwan—where culture is not only introduced but experienced directly—is truly rare and meaningful.
This year’s Passover was not only the completion of a festival, but a convergence of different groups entering the same tradition in different ways.
Some found connection through memory while traveling; some encountered understanding for the first time within a different cultural context; and others witnessed how culture is passed on through participation.
At JCC, what we see is not merely the hosting of events, but the living expression of culture through real human connection.
We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who traveled from afar and those who joined us here.
Chag Sameach. May these memories continue along every journey.
Next year in Jerusalem.
＊April 6 (Chinese Seder)
＊4/6 中文場
中文場｜從理解開始的參與
幾天後的中文場，是另一種不同的節奏，也是 JCC 持續希望建立的文化橋樑。
當晚，百餘位台灣來賓齊聚一堂，全場額滿。對許多人而言，這是第一次真正接觸逾越節，也是第一次走進這段傳統的敘事。
整場晚宴由拉比 Shlomi 帶領誦讀《哈加達》，但對初次接觸的來賓而言，這些內容並不熟悉。因此，在儀式進行的同時，也加入了適度的介紹與引導，讓大家能理解每一個動作背後的意義。
當無酵餅（Matzah）被端上餐桌時，拉比說明其象徵意義，並引導大家實際品嚐。在體驗的同時，也理解它代表的是出埃及時的匆忙——沒有時間等待麵團發酵，只能帶著最基本的食物踏上旅程。
在餐盤（Seder Plate）的環節中，來賓一邊聆聽解釋，一邊品嚐不同象徵食物——苦菜的辛味、馬鈴薯沾鹽水的鹹澀，分別代表當年在埃及的勞苦與淚水。這些原本屬於歷史敘述的內容，在實際體驗中變得具體而清晰。
現場的氛圍非常專注。有人仔細聆聽，有人低頭思考，也有人在某個瞬間理解之後輕輕點頭。
這不只是「知道逾越節」，而是透過參與，開始理解這段文化。
在台北能有這樣一個空間，讓文化不只是被介紹，而是被實際體驗與感受，本身就是一件非常不容易的事情。
今年的逾越節，不只是節日的完成，而是不同人群在同一個傳統中，各自以不同方式進入其中。
有人在旅途中回到記憶，有人在異文化中第一次理解，也有人在參與之中，看見文化如何被傳遞。
在 JCC，我們看見的，不只是活動的舉行，而是文化如何在真實的人與人之間被活出來。
感謝每一位遠道而來與在此相遇的人。
Chag Sameach。願這份記憶延續在每一段旅程之中。
明年耶路撒冷見。
A Sweet Beginning to Learning
Upsherin Ceremony at the JCC
在甜味之中，開啟學習的第一步
Upsherin 剪髮儀式於 JCC
At the JCC, we recently witnessed a gentle and meaningful milestone—a child’s Upsherin, or first haircut ceremony.
In Jewish tradition, the Upsherin is typically held when a boy turns three, marking his transition from early childhood into a stage of learning and growth. It is not only a family ritual, but also the beginning of a journey shaped by education, culture, and identity.
The ceremony unfolded in the presence of family, friends, and the rabbi. The child was invited to taste honey placed on Hebrew letters, symbolizing the wish that learning and wisdom will be as sweet as honey. This simple yet profound gesture carries a lasting blessing—that knowledge will bring joy and meaning throughout life.
Following this, family members and loved ones took turns cutting the child’s first locks of hair. Each cut became more than a symbolic act; it was a quiet expression of blessing, accompanying the child into a new stage of life.
Founder Jeffrey D. Schwartz was also present, joining the family in witnessing this special moment. In gatherings like these, the ceremony becomes more than a tradition—it becomes a reflection of community, where growth is shared and supported.
At the JCC, such moments unfold naturally.
Growth is never a journey taken alone, but one shaped through presence, care, and blessing.
在 JCC，我們見證了一場溫柔而充滿意義的成長時刻——一位小朋友的 Upsherin（第一次剪髮儀式）。
在猶太傳統中，Upsherin 通常於男孩三歲時舉行，象徵孩子從幼兒階段邁向學習與成長的新起點。這不僅是一個家庭儀式，更是一段關於教育、文化與身份的開始。
儀式當天，在家人、親友與拉比的陪伴下展開。孩子在希伯來字母前，品嚐抹上蜂蜜的文字，象徵學習與智慧應如蜜般甘甜。這個簡單而深刻的動作，承載著對未來的祝福——願知識在生命中帶來喜悅與意義。
隨後，親人與重要的祝福者依序為孩子剪下第一束頭髮。每一剪之間，不只是儀式的延續，更是一份份無聲的祝福，陪伴孩子邁入人生新的階段。
創始人薛智偉先生亦親自參與其中，與家人一同見證這個重要時刻。在這樣的相聚裡，儀式不只是形式，而是一種社群之間的連結——讓成長被看見，也被共同承接。
在 JCC，這樣的生命片刻時常悄然發生。
成長從來不是一個人的歷程，而是在陪伴與祝福之中，慢慢展開。
AIT Director Raymond Greene and Mrs. Greene Visit the JCC
美國在臺協會AIT 處長谷立言伉儷訪問 JCC
The JCC was honored to welcome Mr. Raymond Greene, Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), and Mrs. Greene for a visit to the center in Taipei.
Amid a busy schedule of international engagements, the opportunity to introduce a Jewish community space in the heart of Taipei offered a meaningful moment of cultural exchange.
The visit was personally hosted by Founder Jeffrey D. Schwartz, who introduced the vision and mission of the JCC. From the Synagogue to educational spaces and community facilities, the center represents more than architecture—it is a platform where culture, faith, and community intersect.
The Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association (JTCA) continues to serve as an important bridge between Asia and the international community. As a non-governmental organization, the JCC regularly welcomes international guests and delegations, offering a space where Jewish culture in Taiwan can be experienced and understood firsthand.
For the Founder, such visits are not isolated events, but part of a long-term vision—to create an open cultural space in Taipei where understanding and connection can naturally take place.
Between the global and the local, the JCC continues to serve as a quiet yet steady bridge.
JCC 很榮幸迎來美國在臺協會（AIT）處長谷立言（Raymond Greene）伉儷蒞臨訪問。在繁忙的國際交流行程中，能夠於台北市中心介紹 JCC 這樣一個猶太文化社區空間，是一次難得而具有意義的相遇。
當日由創始人薛智偉先生親自接待，並向來賓介紹 JCC 的空間理念與文化使命。從聖殿、教育空間到社區活動場域，JCC 所承載的不僅是建築功能，更是一個連結文化、信仰與社群的開放平台。
猶台文化交流協會（JTCA）長期扮演亞洲與國際之間的重要橋樑。作為一個民間組織，JCC 持續接待來自世界各地的訪客與代表團，透過文化交流與實地參訪，讓更多人理解猶太文化在台灣的存在與發展。
對創始人而言，這樣的交流並非單一事件，而是長期願景的一部分——希望在台北這座城市中，能有一個開放的空間，讓文化得以被看見、被理解，也被持續連結。
在國際與在地之間，JCC 持續扮演著一個安靜但穩定的橋樑角色。
Art, Light, and Life
Donation of “LIFE” to the JCC
以光與生命為語言
藝術作品《LIFE》捐贈與展出於 JCC
The JCC is honored to receive a meaningful donation from artist Olha Shypelyk, who has gifted her artwork “LIFE” to our center. This gesture reflects both her support for Jewish culture and her appreciation of the cultural and educational mission we carry forward in Taiwan.
“LIFE” expresses the rhythm of existence through flowing lines and layered colors. Gold elements illuminate the composition like traces of light across time, reflecting a state of continuous movement between structure and change, and the connection between the inner self and faith.
Olha Shypelyk’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in spirituality and belief. Raised in an environment centered on faith, prayer, and the presence of G-d, these values form the foundation of her creative language. Her works combine contemporary techniques with symbolic traditions, often created in acrylic or oil and enriched with 24K gold leaf, resulting in a distinctive sense of light and transcendence. For her, art is not decoration, but a vessel of meaning, spirituality, and warmth.
She is also actively engaged in philanthropic work, having donated over one hundred artworks to charity auctions across Ukraine and Europe, using art as a means of support and goodwill.
In her further interpretation, the work may also be understood as a symbolic representation of the Tree of Life. The structure of the tree is reflected in the form of a Menorah—one of the oldest symbols of divine light and enduring hope, a light that burns without being consumed.
Its branches reach upward toward growth and aspiration, while its roots extend downward, representing continuity and generational connection. The pomegranates placed along the branches—eighteen on each—correspond to the Hebrew word “Chai” (חי), meaning life, symbolizing blessing, vitality, and spiritual energy. The pomegranate itself represents abundance, wholeness, and inner fullness.
Together with the seven-branched Menorah, the work conveys a deeper message: the fullness of life, its continuity, and the enduring harmony between past and future, light and faith.
We are truly grateful for this cross-cultural gift. “LIFE” is not only an artwork, but also a dialogue between life, faith, and light. It will be exhibited at the JCC Museum, and we warmly invite visitors to experience this reflection of time, memory, and spirit.
Artist Introduction | Olha Shypelyk
The artwork “LIFE” was generously donated to the JCC by artist Olha Shypelyk.
To explore more of her works and artistic philosophy, please visit:
近日，JCC 很榮幸收到來自藝術家 Olha Shypelyk 的珍貴捐贈，其作品《LIFE》正式加入本中心收藏，並將於猶太藝文博物館展出。這份跨越地域的心意，不僅是藝術交流，更是一份對猶太文化與 JCC 在台灣所推動之文化與教育工作的深刻認同。
《LIFE》以流動的線條與層層堆疊的色彩構築出生命的節奏，畫面中金色的光點如同穿透時間的象徵，映照出生命在秩序與變化之間持續流動的狀態。作品不僅描繪外在形式，更試圖呈現人與內在、與信仰之間的連結。
藝術家 Olha Shypelyk 的創作長期深受靈性與信仰啟發。她自幼成長於重視上帝、信念與祈禱的環境，這些價值成為其藝術語言的根基。她融合當代繪畫技法與象徵性元素，並以壓克力或油彩結合 24K 金箔，使畫面呈現出獨特的光感與精神性。對她而言，藝術並非裝飾，而是一種承載意義、靈性與溫度的媒介。
她亦長期投入公益行動，曾捐贈超過百幅作品於烏克蘭及歐洲多地慈善拍賣，使藝術成為支持社群與傳遞善意的力量。
在藝術家進一步的詮釋中，此作品亦被理解為一幅關於「生命之樹（Tree of Life）」的象徵性創作。樹的形象被轉化為如同七支燭台（Menorah）的結構，象徵光與神聖的存在，一種不被消耗、卻持續燃燒的精神之光。
枝幹向上延展，象徵生命的成長與對光的追尋；根系向下延伸，象徵世代的連結與存在的延續。每一個枝條上所呈現的石榴元素，更承載著深層的文化象徵——每枝恰為十八顆，在猶太傳統中對應「Chai（חי）」之意，代表生命、祝福與靈性活力。石榴本身亦象徵豐盛、完整與內在圓滿。
在七支燭台的結構與生命象徵交織之下，作品最終指向一個整體意涵——生命的豐盈、延續，以及在光與信念中不斷超越黑暗的力量。
我們深深感謝這份跨越文化與地域的贈與。《LIFE》不僅是一件藝術作品，也是一段關於生命、信仰與光的對話。未來將於 JCC 猶太藝文博物館展出，誠摯邀請來賓一同前來，在作品之中感受時間、記憶與精神的流動。
藝術家介紹｜Olha Shypelyk
本作品《LIFE》由藝術家 Olha Shypelyk 捐贈予 JCC 收藏。
更多藝術家作品與創作理念，請見：
Best Regards,
Jeffrey D. Schwartz
Founder, Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association
給予大家 最深的愛與祝福
薛智偉
薛智偉・坣娜猶台文化交流協會 創始人
