Jewish community in Kaifeng celebrates first night of Hanukkah

A few dozen Chinese Jews in Kaifeng, China, gathered on Sunday evening with an emissary of the Shavei Israel organization to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah and light the traditional menorah candles.

“The Chinese Jews take their inspiration from the Maccabees,” said Shavei Israel Chairman and Founder Michael Freund. “Even in far-off Kaifeng, the light of Jewish survival continues to burn brightly. Kaifeng’s Jewish descendants are a living link between China and the Jewish people.”