Community puts focus on youth
The youth are the future of many a successful and harmonious society, and Hong Kong's Jewish community is showing how this happens.
One example is seen with the Chabad movement in Hong Kong. Activities organised range from after-school clubs in Stanley on the theme of 'it's cool to be kind' and an equally fun-packed day on a lake in Tai Po next month; to religious observation and summer camps in Israel.
And the Ohel Leah Synagogue in Robinson Road organised a family fun event featuring tree-planting, bead-making, Israeli dancing and bread-making last night to mark Israel's 61st anniversary of nationhood.
Lifecycle and the virtue of looking ahead with a positive attitude is a philosophy of Judaism and may help account for the emphasis on youth activities.
The Ohel Leah Synagogue, which received a UN award in recognition of its restoration in 2001, dates back to August 1901 when Abraham Jacob Raymond laid the foundation stone to the building, which was dedicated to the memory of his mother Leah.
The synagogue has since been at the centre of modern orthodox worship in Hong Kong and, with the opening of the Jewish Community Centre (JCC) in 1995, is a key institution for Jews in Asia.
Like any busy diamond company executive with a family, Elad Assor appreciates the social network local Jewish groups provide.
'There is a lot of activity with the Jewish community that gets people together. It's good that we have people taking care of this and there is always something for the kids,' said Mr Assor, who arrived in Hong Kong five years ago from Haifa in northern Israel.
The community's volunteerism and charity efforts have impressed Yair Berrebi since the airline executive returned to Hong Kong in 2007.
Money has been raised to ease the plight of poorer migrants to Israel.
'There is much interaction between members of the community here and it's like a bridge between people who work in information technology companies and the diamond industry.
'Not only this, but you see the variety of people of various backgrounds and ages with kids, it all makes for a comfortable environment.'
Mr Berrebi added that the success of Carmel School, which provides secular and Jewish education, assured parents about Hong Kong and their faith.
As the local Jewish community grew in numbers over the past two decades, so did the organisations catering for different groupings within the faith.
Chabad of Hong Kong established a Kowloon branch in 2005 to cater for the wider Jewish community and visitors from abroad who stay in Tsim Sha Tsui.
'Chabad of Hong Kong traces its roots back to 1987 when Rabbi Mordechai and Goldie Avtzon were sent to Hong Kong. Their goal was to service the needs of the Jews in Hong Kong and Asia,' the movement's website states.
'Energised with a 'can do' spirit, Chabad of Hong Kong quickly introduced many programmes and services that were uncommon in this part of the world.'
A few followers of liberal or progressive Judaism began to hold services at the American Club and China Fleet Club in the early 1990s. Now, the United Jewish Congregation of Hong Kong has grown to more than 200 members with administrative and worship facilities at the JCC and its own rabbi.
