The Stories We Choose to Remember — A month of remembrance, friendship, music, and cultural legacy at JCC.

 

From Holocaust remembrance to cultural exchange, discover how history continues to shape the future.

 

 

 

Memory So That Humanity May Be Seen — International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2026

 

 

記憶，是為了讓人性被看見——2026國際猶太大屠殺紀念日

 

On April 29, 2026, government officials, diplomats, representatives of the Jewish community, and guests from Taiwan and abroad gathered at the Taipei Guest House for the International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2026 ceremony (Yom HaShoah). Together, they honored the memory of those who perished and reflected on the enduring importance of freedom, democracy, and human dignity.

 

For the Jewish people, the Holocaust is not simply a chapter in a history book. It is a collective memory that continues to shape generations. Six million Jews lost their lives during one of history’s darkest periods, and the testimonies of survivors remain vital in helping future generations understand both the tragedy and its lessons.

 

The commemorative program began with the screening of Who’s Child Are You?, a testimony film by Holocaust survivor Tswi Josef Herschel. Through his personal story, participants were reminded that history is not merely a collection of numbers, but the lived experiences of individuals, families, and communities whose lives were forever changed.

 

The ceremony continued with the recitation of El Maleh Rachamim (“G-d Full of Mercy”) by Rabbi Shlomi Tabib. The solemn prayer echoed throughout the hall, creating a moment of reflection and remembrance shared by all in attendance.

 

During the candle-lighting ceremony, each flame was lit in memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The candles served not only as symbols of remembrance, but also as a reminder that memory is not confined to the past—it shapes how we treat one another today and how we uphold human rights and dignity for future generations.

 

Distinguished guests who delivered remarks included Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Yuan Johnny Chiang, Representative Maya Yaron of the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, and Karsten Tietz, Director General of the German Institute Taipei.

 

In her address, Vice President Hsiao noted that the Holocaust remains not only a historical tragedy but also an enduring warning to humanity. She emphasized that only by safeguarding democracy, freedom, and human rights can such atrocities be prevented from occurring again. She also reflected on Taiwan’s own historical experiences, which underscore the importance of remembrance and reflection.

 

 

Other distinguished attendees included Joseph Wu, Secretary-General of the National Security Council; Wu Chih-chung, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Boaz Toporovsky, Member of the Israeli Knesset; Janusz Henryk Bilski, Head of the Polish Office in Taipei; and Franck Paris, Director of the French Office in Taipei.

 

The Founder of the Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association, Jeffrey D. Schwartz, also attended the ceremony, joining representatives from Taiwan and around the world in honoring the memory of those lost and affirming the importance of preserving historical remembrance.

 

For JTCA / JCC, Holocaust remembrance is never solely about looking back. Through our ongoing efforts in Jewish cultural education, international exchange, and historical dialogue, we continue a shared responsibility—to help more people understand history, respect differences, and cherish the freedoms and peace that are too often taken for granted.

 

The value of remembrance lies not only in remembering what happened, but in guiding us toward the kind of society—and the kind of people—we aspire to become.

 

 

2026年4月29日，來自台灣與國際社會的政要、外交使節、猶太社群代表及各界人士齊聚台北賓館，共同參與「2026國際猶太大屠殺紀念日活動」（Yom HaShoah），追思歷史中的受難者，也再次提醒世人珍惜今日所擁有的自由、民主與人性尊嚴。

 

對猶太民族而言，大屠殺不只是歷史課本中的一頁記錄，而是一段深深影響世代的集體記憶。六百萬猶太人在那段黑暗歲月中失去生命，而倖存者的故事，則成為後人理解歷史的重要見證。

 

活動當日下午，首先播映大屠殺倖存者 Tswi Josef Herschel 先生的證詞影片《你是誰的孩子？》（Who’s Child Are You?）。透過他的人生故事，與會者得以看見歷史不只是數字，而是一個個真實的人、一個個家庭，以及那些被迫改變的人生。

 

隨後，由 Rabbi Shlomi Tabib 誦讀傳統追思祈禱文《慈悲的神》（El Maleh Rachamim）。靜謐的祈禱聲迴盪在會場之中，帶領眾人以最深的敬意追思逝者。

 

在點燭儀式中，一盞盞燭光依序亮起，象徵對六百萬猶太受難者的紀念，也提醒我們，記憶並非停留於過去，而是影響著今天如何面對彼此、如何守護人權與尊嚴。

 

當日出席並致詞的貴賓包括副總統 蕭美琴、立法院副院長 江啟臣、駐台北以色列經濟文化辦事處代表 Maya Yaron、德國在台協會處長 Karsten Tietz 等。

 

副總統蕭美琴於致詞中提到，大屠殺不僅是歷史的傷痕，更是對全人類持續的警示。唯有守護民主、自由與人權，才能避免悲劇再次發生。她也提到，台灣自身的歷史經驗，讓我們更能理解記憶與反思的重要性。

 

出席貴賓亦包括國家安全會議秘書長 吳釗燮、外交部次長 吳志中、以色列國會議員 Boaz Toporovsky、波蘭臺北辦事處處長 Janusz Henryk Bilski、法國在台協會主任 Franck Paris 等國內外重要代表。

 

猶台文化交流協會創始人 Jeffrey D. Schwartz 亦出席本次紀念活動，與各界共同追思歷史，見證記憶的傳承。

 

對 JTCA / JCC 而言，紀念大屠殺從來不只是回顧過去。當我們持續推動猶太文化教育、國際交流與歷史對話時，也是在延續一份責任——讓更多人理解歷史、尊重差異，並珍惜今日得來不易的自由與和平。

 

因為記憶的價值，不只是記得曾經發生過什麼，更是提醒我們，未來應該成為什麼樣的人。

Beyond Diplomacy: Israeli Knesset Delegation Discovers Another Side of Taiwan

 

 

國會外交之外：以色列國會訪團看見台灣的另一面

 

In early May, a delegation from the Israeli Knesset visited the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center (JCC) to learn more about the Jewish community in Taiwan and how Jewish culture continues to thrive and develop in Asia.

 

The delegation included:

• Mickey Levy, Former Speaker of the Knesset and Senior Member of the Knesset

• Boaz Toporovsky, Chairman of the Taiwan-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group and Member of the Knesset

• Yonatan Mishraki, Member of the Knesset

• Ron Katz, Member of the Knesset

• Amitai Young, Parliamentary Advisor and Former Chief of Staff to Speaker Mickey Levy

• Representative Abby Lee, Representative of Taiwan in Israel

 

The visit was made possible in large part through the efforts and leadership of Ambassador Abby Lee, who personally accompanied the delegation throughout their visit to Taiwan.

 

As Taiwan’s senior representative in Israel, Ambassador Lee has played a significant role in strengthening Taiwan–Israel relations across a wide range of fields, including politics, economics, technology, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Through this visit, she sought to introduce Taiwan’s democratic values, cultural richness, educational achievements, and diverse society to members of the Israeli parliament through firsthand experience.

 

Over the years, Ambassador Lee has also been a strong supporter of JTCA and JCC’s efforts to promote Jewish cultural exchange in Taiwan. Her continued support has helped foster deeper understanding and stronger connections between the people of Taiwan and Israel.

 

JTCA would also like to express its gratitude to MK Boaz Toporovsky, Chairman of the Taiwan-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group, for his longstanding commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two nations. Despite a demanding international environment, the delegation made Taiwan an important stop on its Asian itinerary, reflecting the value both sides place on continued engagement and partnership.

 

During their visit, the delegation was welcomed by JTCA Public Relations representative Alex and Rabbi Shlomi Tabib of Chabad Taiwan, who introduced them to the development of the Jewish community in Taiwan. From cultural collections and artistic spaces to community programs and religious life, the visitors encountered a vibrant center dedicated to preserving and nurturing Jewish culture in Asia.

 

One of the highlights of the visit was Taiwan’s only Mikveh built in accordance with Jewish law. For many Israelis, a Mikveh is an essential part of Jewish communal life. Yet establishing such a facility in Taiwan required tremendous dedication, planning, and resources. As the delegation learned about its construction and significance, they gained a deeper appreciation for how rare and meaningful such a space is.

 

The visit also brought the delegation into the synagogue. As they entered and saw the Torah, the atmosphere naturally shifted from casual conversation to quiet reflection. Several members of the delegation stepped forward and paused before it in respect.

 

It was a moment that required no translation.

 

Even in the heart of Taipei, thousands of kilometers from Jerusalem, the Torah remains a powerful symbol of identity, memory, and connection.

What the delegation witnessed in that moment was not simply a building or a collection of artifacts. They saw how Jewish tradition continues to be preserved, cherished, and passed on to future generations in an unexpected corner of Asia.

 

Following the tour, the delegation was invited to a luncheon at the Kosher Culinary Lab, where they experienced Taiwan’s only kosher dining venue. Traditional Middle Eastern and Jewish dishes, including hummus and tagine, were served in a setting that blended culture, history, and hospitality, leaving a lasting impression on the guests.

 

For many visitors from Israel, Taiwan may appear as a distant island on the map. Yet when they walk into JCC and encounter the Mikveh, the synagogue, the Torah, and the Jewish community that gathers here, they discover something far more meaningful—a living expression of Jewish continuity far from home.

 

Perhaps this is one of the most important roles of JTCA and JCC: to ensure that Jewish culture is seen, experienced, and celebrated in Asia, while reminding visitors from around the world that this tradition continues to be nurtured and preserved here in Taiwan.

 

 

 

五月初，以色列國會（Knesset）訪團蒞臨 Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center（JCC）參訪交流，深入了解台灣猶太社群的發展，以及猶太文化在台灣的延續與實踐。

 

此次訪團成員包括：

• 前國會議長、資深國會議員 利維（Mickey Levy）

• 國會友台小組主席 杜伯斯基（Boaz Toporovsky）

• 國會議員 米什拉基（Yonatan Mishraki）

• 國會議員 卡茲（Ron Katz）

• 國會顧問暨利維前議長辦公室幕僚長 楊格（Amitai Young）

• 駐以色列代表處 李雅萍大使（Representative Abby Lee）

 

此次訪問能夠順利成行，也特別感謝駐以色列代表處李雅萍大使的積極促成與全程陪同。

 

作為臺灣駐以色列的重要代表，李大使長期致力於深化臺以雙邊關係，持續推動政治、經濟、科技、教育、文化與民間交流等多個領域合作。此次更親自陪同國會訪團來台，希望透過實地參訪，讓訪賓親身認識台灣在民主發展、文化保存、教育創新及社會多元性上的成果與特色。

 

多年來，李雅萍大使也持續支持 JTCA 與 JCC 所推動的猶太文化交流工作，協助建立更多台灣與以色列之間的理解與連結。此次訪團來台，不僅是一次官方交流行程，也是一場深入認識台灣社會與文化的旅程。

 

JTCA也特別感謝國會友台小組主席杜伯斯基長期支持台灣與以色列之間的交流與友誼。在當前國際局勢充滿挑戰的時刻，訪團仍特別安排時間來到亞洲、來到台灣，展現雙方持續深化交流的重視與誠意。

 

當天，訪團由 JTCA 公關 Alex 與 Chabad Taiwan 的 Rabbi Shlomi Tabib 接待，並深入了解台灣猶太社群的發展歷程。從猶太文化典藏、藝術空間，到社群活動與宗教生活，訪團看見了一個在亞洲持續成長的猶太文化據點。

 

其中最令訪團印象深刻的，莫過於全台唯一依照猶太律法建造的浸禮堂（Mikveh）。對許多以色列人而言，Mikveh 是猶太生活的重要一環；然而在台灣，要打造一座符合猶太律法規範的浸禮堂，背後需要投入大量心力與資源。當訪團了解其建造過程與細節後，更加體會這座空間的珍貴與不易。

 

參訪途中，議員們也來到聖殿（Synagogue）。當看見妥拉（Torah）時，原本輕鬆交流的氣氛自然安靜了下來。幾位議員走向前方，在妥拉前駐足致意。

 

那是一種不需要翻譯的熟悉感。

 

即使身處台北，即使距離耶路撒冷數千公里，當妥拉出現在眼前，人們依然能感受到與自身文化最深的連結。

 

那一刻，訪團所看見的已不只是建築或展品，而是在亞洲的一座城市裡，猶太文化如何被珍惜、被守護，也持續被下一代傳承。

 

參訪結束後，JCC 於猶太潔食實驗室安排午宴，邀請訪團體驗台灣唯一的猶太潔食餐飲空間。從 Hummus、Tagine 等中東與猶太傳統料理，到融合文化與藝術氛圍的用餐環境，都讓來賓留下深刻印象。

 

對許多來自以色列的訪客而言，台灣或許是地圖上的一座島嶼；然而當他們走進 JCC，看見 Mikvah、聖殿、妥拉，以及在這裡生活的猶太社群時，他們看見的，是一份遠離家鄉卻仍持續延續的文化生命力。

 

而這或許也是 JTCA / JCC 最重要的意義——讓猶太文化在亞洲被看見，也讓來到台灣的人知道，在這裡，同樣有人守護著這份傳統。

 

Another Window into City-to-City Exchange — Israeli Mayors Visit the JCC

 

城市交流的另一扇窗——以色列市長訪團參訪 JCC

In mid-May, a delegation of Israeli mayors and municipal representatives visited Taiwan as part of a broader exchange program. In addition to meetings with Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and municipal exchanges with the Taipei and Tainan City Governments, the delegation also made a special visit to the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center (JCC) to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish community life in Taiwan.

The delegation included:

• Tzvika Brot, Mayor of Bat Yam and Vice Chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel

• Raz Kinstlich, Mayor of Rishon LeZion

• Galit Shaul, Mayor of Emek Hefer Regional Council

• Mor Kanditi, Director of International Relations, Bat Yam Municipality

While members of parliament often focus on national policy and bilateral relations, municipal leaders are frequently concerned with community development, local governance, and how diverse populations live and thrive within a city.

For this reason, when the delegation visited the JCC, they encountered more than a cultural exhibition space—they experienced a living and active community center.

During the tour, the visitors learned about the development of the Jewish community in Taiwan and heard how many Taiwanese have come to engage with Jewish culture through guided tours, holiday celebrations, educational programs, and kosher culinary experiences. For many of the visiting mayors, seeing a Jewish center in Asia that integrates cultural education, religious life, and community engagement was both meaningful and inspiring.

For JTCA, the visit also carried special significance.

For many years, our mission has extended beyond cultural introduction. We strive to build bridges of understanding. When city leaders from around the world visit Taiwan and learn about the Jewish community and cultural exchange initiatives taking place here, they also gain a deeper appreciation for Taiwan’s openness, diversity, and respect for different cultures.

Often, the most meaningful exchanges happen outside formal meetings.

A guided tour, a shared meal, or a conversation about culture and daily life can become the foundation of lasting friendships.

As more distinguished guests from Israel and around the world continue to visit the JCC, this Jewish community center in the heart of Taipei is gradually becoming one of Asia’s important gateways for Jewish cultural exchange.

This reflects the long-term vision of JTCA: to ensure that cultural exchange does not remain solely at the official level, but takes root through genuine human connections and continues to grow into the future.

 

 

五月中旬，由多位以色列市長與城市代表組成的訪問團來台展開交流行程。除了拜會外交部政務次長，並與台北市政府及台南市政府進行市政交流外，訪團也特別安排參訪 Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center（JCC），深入了解台灣猶太社群的發展現況。

 

此次來訪成員包括：

• 巴特亞姆市長暨以色列全國市政府聯盟副主席 Tzvika Brot

   

• 里雄萊錫安市長 Raz Kinstlich

   

• 埃梅克赫費爾市長 Galit Shaul

   

• 巴特亞姆市國際關係主任 Mor Kanditi

與國會議員著重國家政策及雙邊關係不同，市長們所關注的，往往是城市治理、社區經營，以及不同族群如何在同一座城市中共同生活。

 

因此，當訪團走進 JCC 時，他們看見的不只是猶太文化展示空間，更是一個真實運作中的社區中心。

 

在導覽過程中，訪團了解了台灣猶太社群的發展歷程，也聽見許多台灣民眾透過導覽、節慶活動、文化講座與潔食體驗認識猶太文化的故事。對許多來自以色列的市長而言，能在亞洲看見這樣一座兼具文化教育、宗教生活與社群功能的猶太中心，是相當難得的經驗。

 

對 JTCA 而言，這樣的參訪也具有特殊意義。

 

多年來，我們持續推動的不只是文化介紹，更希望建立彼此理解的橋樑。當來自不同國家的城市領導者來到台灣，認識這裡的猶太社群與文化交流工作時，也讓更多人看見台灣社會對多元文化的尊重與包容。

 

在正式會議之外，人與人之間的交流往往更加深刻。

 

一場導覽、一頓餐敘、一段關於文化與生活的分享，都可能成為未來友誼的起點。

 

隨著越來越多來自以色列及世界各地的重要訪賓造訪 JCC，這座位於台北市中心的猶太社區中心，也逐漸成為亞洲地區重要的猶太文化交流窗口之一。

 

而這正是 JTCA 長年努力的方向——讓文化交流不只是停留在官方層面，而是真正在人與人之間發生，並持續向未來延伸。

When Music Becomes a Language of Cultural Exchange — Bernstein’s Kaddish in Taipei

 

當音樂成為文化交流的語言——伯恩斯坦《Kaddish》在台北

 

This May, the Taipei Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Eliahu Inbal, presented Leonard Bernstein’s powerful Symphony No. 3 – Kaddish. Co-organized by the Jewish Taiwan Cultural Association (JTCA), the performance became more than a concert—it became a meaningful dialogue across cultures, histories, and traditions.

 

Named after the Jewish prayer known as the Kaddish, the work is often associated with remembrance. Yet at its heart, it is a profound reflection on life, faith, humanity, and the relationship between people and the Divine. Through the combination of narrator, soprano, choir, and orchestra, Bernstein created a deeply emotional work that asks difficult questions while searching for hope and understanding.

 

For many members of the audience in Taiwan, this may have been their first encounter with the cultural and spiritual significance of the Kaddish. Yet music has a unique ability to transcend language. Even without understanding every Hebrew word, listeners could still connect with the emotions, struggles, and aspirations embedded within the work.

 

This reflects a belief that has guided JTCA for many years: culture is not experienced only through books, lectures, or museum exhibitions. Sometimes, a piece of music, a work of art, or a shared performance can become a doorway to understanding another culture.

 

As part of this collaboration, JTCA provided cultural support for the production, including guidance on Hebrew pronunciation and sharing insights into the Jewish traditions and historical context behind the work. These efforts helped deepen the performers’ understanding of the spirit and meaning of Kaddish.

 

On the evening of the performance, more than one hundred musicians and choristers took the stage. Under Maestro Inbal’s direction, the orchestra, narrator, soprano, and choir came together to create a moving artistic experience that explored themes of faith, humanity, and peace.

 

For JTCA, cultural exchange has never been limited to presenting information. Our mission is to create genuine opportunities for understanding. When art becomes a bridge, people from different backgrounds can connect through shared emotions and experiences.

In a world often marked by division and uncertainty, music may not solve every challenge, but it can invite us to pause, listen, reflect, and better understand one another.

 

That is one of the most meaningful values of cultural exchange.

Through Kaddish, we witnessed not only the power of music, but also the ability of art to transcend language and borders—bringing people together in a shared space of reflection, understanding, and human connection.

 

五月，Taipei Symphony Orchestra 在指揮大師 Eliahu Inbal 的帶領下，演出美國猶太裔作曲家李奧納德・伯恩斯坦（Leonard Bernstein）經典作品《第三號交響曲－Kaddish》。本次演出由猶台文化交流協會（JTCA）共同協辦，透過音樂，開啟一場跨越語言與文化的對話。

 

《Kaddish》取名自猶太傳統中的祈禱文，雖常被稱為追思祈禱，但其核心並非死亡，而是對生命、信仰與人性的思考。伯恩斯坦以旁白、女高音、合唱團與交響樂團交織出一部充滿張力的作品，在音樂中提出提問，也在音樂中尋找答案。

 

對許多台灣觀眾而言，這或許是第一次接觸猶太文化中的《Kaddish》。然而透過音樂，即使不懂希伯來文，也能感受到作品所傳遞的情感與力量。

這也是 JTCA 長期推動文化交流所相信的一件事——文化不一定只能透過課本、講座或導覽被認識；有時候，一首樂曲、一場演出，甚至一段旋律，就能成為理解另一個文化的入口。

 

此次合作期間，JTCA 也提供文化層面的協助，包括希伯來文發音指導，以及分享作品背後的猶太文化背景，協助演出團隊更深入理解《Kaddish》的精神內涵。

 

演出當晚，超過百位音樂家與合唱團員共同登台。在 Maestro Eliahu Inbal 的帶領下，合唱、旁白與樂團層層交織，將伯恩斯坦筆下關於信仰、人性與和平的思索，轉化成一場深刻而動人的藝術體驗。

 

長久以來，JTCA 致力於推動的不只是文化展示，而是真正的文化交流。我們相信，當藝術成為橋樑，不同背景的人們便能透過共同的感受產生連結。

在這個充滿變化與挑戰的時代，音樂或許無法解決所有問題，但它能讓人停下腳步傾聽、理解與思考。

 

而這正是文化交流最珍貴的價值。

 

透過《Kaddish》，我們看見的不只是音樂的力量，也看見藝術如何跨越語言與國界，讓不同文化的人們在同一個空間裡，共同感受、共同思索，並在彼此之間建立新的理解。

 

When Kindness Becomes Part of a Legacy — A New Chapter on the Tree of Life

 

當善意成為傳承的一部分——生命之樹的新篇章

 

This May, the Tree of Life at the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center welcomed a new leaf.

 

Mr. Henri Chen, President of Davos Capital, joined the JCC Tree of Life dedication program through his generous support of the Center’s cultural and educational initiatives. More than a donation, his participation reflects a commitment to cultural continuity, community connection, and a shared vision for the future.

 

In Jewish tradition, the Tree of Life (Etz Chaim) symbolizes wisdom, faith, and continuity.

 

Its roots are grounded in tradition, while its branches continue reaching toward future generations. Each leaf represents a supporter, and every supporter becomes part of the ongoing growth of the tree itself.

 

Jewish culture teaches that a person’s impact extends far beyond the present moment. Through acts of kindness, education, and care for others, values can continue to inspire and influence future generations. For this reason, the Tree of Life is not simply a place where names are commemorated—it is a symbol of enduring values and living legacy.

 

This spirit is closely connected to one of Judaism’s most important principles: Tzedakah.

 

Often translated as “charity,” Tzedakah carries a deeper meaning of responsibility and justice. Through giving and supporting others, individuals help strengthen communities, preserve culture, and care for one another. It is not merely an act of generosity, but a shared commitment to building a better future.

 

To commemorate this meaningful occasion, JCC held a special dedication ceremony attended by Mr. Henri Chen, Founder Jeffrey D. Schwartz, and Rabbi Shlomi.

 

During the ceremony, a new leaf was formally added to the Tree of Life.

 

While it may appear to be just one name among many, it represents a commitment to supporting cultural exchange, education, and community building. It also marks the beginning of new stories, new connections, and future opportunities for impact.

 

Over the years, the Tree of Life has come to reflect the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds who have chosen to contribute to the preservation and growth of Jewish culture in Taiwan. Each new leaf serves as a reminder that culture is sustained not only through institutions and buildings, but through people who care, who participate, and who choose to invest in future generations.

 

We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Henri Chen for his support of JTCA and JCC.

 

May every act of kindness become part of a lasting legacy, and may every leaf on the Tree of Life continue to tell a story of connection, blessing, and hope.

 

五月，Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center 的生命之樹（Tree of Life）迎來了一片新的葉子。

 

來自 Davos Capital 的陳威華（Henri Chen）總裁，透過捐贈支持 JCC 的文化與教育工作，並加入生命之樹冠名計畫。這不只是一份捐款，更是一份對文化傳承、社群連結與未來願景的認同。

 

在猶太文化中，「生命之樹」（Etz Chaim）象徵智慧、信仰與延續。

 

它的根深植於傳統，枝葉則不斷向未來延伸。每一片葉子都代表一位支持者，而每一位支持者的參與，也都成為這棵樹持續成長的一部分。

 

猶太文化相信，一個人的影響力不只存在於當下，更能透過善行、教育與關懷，持續影響下一代。因此，生命之樹不只是紀念捐贈者的名字，更象徵一份價值的延續。

 

這樣的精神，也呼應猶太文化中極為重要的理念——Tzedakah（賜大卡）。

 

Tzedakah 常被翻譯為「慈善」，但它更深層的意義其實是責任與公義。透過分享與付出，人們共同承擔建立社群、照顧彼此與延續文化的責任。這不只是幫助他人，更是讓整個社群得以持續成長的重要力量。

 

為紀念這份心意，JCC 特別安排捐贈儀式，由陳威華總裁與創始人薛智偉先生（Jeffrey D. Schwartz）、Rabbi Shlomi 共同見證這個具有意義的時刻。

 

在儀式中，一片新的葉子被正式加入生命之樹。

 

或許它只是樹上的一個名字，但對 JCC 而言，它代表的是一份願意支持文化交流、教育推廣與社群發展的承諾；對未來而言，它也將成為更多故事與更多連結的起點。

 

多年來，生命之樹見證了許多來自不同背景的人們，以各自的方式參與文化的延續。而每一次新增的葉片，也都在提醒我們：文化之所以能被保存，從來不是因為建築本身，而是因為有人願意投入、願意關心，也願意將善意傳遞給下一個世代。

 

感謝陳威華總裁對 JTCA 與 JCC 的支持。

 

願每一份善意，都能成為文化傳承的一部分；願每一片葉子，都持續訴說著連結、祝福與希望的故事。

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