| Group: | Taiwanese Jews |
| Regions: | Major populations in Taipei, also in Kaohsiung, Hsinchu, Taichung |
| Langs: | English, Hebrew, Mandarin |
| Rels: | Judaism |
| Related: | East Asian Jews Jewish diaspora |
Jews in Taiwan, also known as Taiwanese Jews, comprise the Jewish community residing in Taiwan, a country located in East Asia. While the Jewish population in Taiwan is relatively small compared to other communities around the world, it has a rich and diverse history that spans several decades. The first sizable presence began in the 1950s, when religious services were held in the United States military chapel, to which civilians also had access.
Currently, there are two synagogues in Taiwan. The Taiwan Jewish Community, which has been in Taiwan since the 1950s, and Chabad Taiwan, which began in 2011 and is also known by the name Taipei Jewish Center. Though the community is quite small, it also has its share of diversity and sometimes even controversy.[1]
The presence of Jews in Taiwan can be traced back to the mid-20th century when a small number of Jewish individuals and families arrived on the island. Most Jewish immigrants came to Taiwan for business and professional opportunities, attracted by the growing economic development and trade possibilities in the region.
One significant influx of Jewish immigrants occurred during the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949) and the subsequent establishment of the People's Republic of China under communist rule. Many Jewish businessmen, who had previously settled in Shanghai and other parts of China, sought refuge in Taiwan to escape political uncertainties and to safeguard their livelihoods.
As Taiwan experienced rapid industrialization and economic growth during the latter half of the 20th century, the country attracted a larger number of Jewish expatriate and emigrant businesspeople, investors, professionals, and academics. These individuals played a role in various sectors of Taiwanese civilization, contributing to the nation's development and growth in an array of fields such as the arts, governance, science, high-technology, medicine, finance, business and education.
Despite their relatively small numbers, the Jewish community in Taiwan has fostered a close-knit community with various institutions and organizations that cater to their religious, cultural, and social needs. These institutions have helped promote Jewish identity and facilitate connections among the community members.
The Taiwan Jewish Community is an egalitarian, non-denominational Jewish congregation in the heart of Taipei. The synagogue's membership consists of Jews from all denominations, and includes both long-term expatriates from around the world as well as a more transient population.
In the 1950s Jewish religious services were held in the United States military chapel on Zhongshan North Road with services being open to both military families and civilians.[2]
In 1975, Rabbi Ephraim Einhorn (Hebrew: אפרים פרדיננד איינהורן;) arrived to serve as the island's sole rabbi.[3] Formally established as a non-profit organization in 1977, the Taiwan Jewish Community has been largely made up of foreign business executives and their families, students, diplomats assigned to Taiwan, and visitors to the island. For many years Rabbi Einhorn officiated at Sabbath and holiday services at the Landis Hotel and later the Sheraton Taipei. In 2015 the venue for the services moved to space in an office building provided by one of the community members. In 2020 the Taiwan Jewish Community moved to a location funded by the entire community. Attendance peaks around the High Holy Days, numbering around 200 individuals.[4] [5] [6] [7]