Shabbas-

Last night, I went to Shabbas at a another American's house. Being so far from home, it is extremely comforting to find other Jews . Although I didn't grow up with a strong religious influence, I certainly identify with the cultural aspect of it. I wasn't always this way-once I hit my early twenties, I began to explore what my heritage meant to the world and to me. As we lit the candles (I only know the one prayer for the wine-go figure) and sat down to dinner, I realized that being Jewish is a gift. The people in attendance were from all over the globe-three from America, one from France, Israel, Russia, Canada, Morocco, and the Cheq Republic. Its amazing that on this Friday night, you would find all these people gathered around one table having nothing more connecting us than our history.


When I first arrived in China, it was close to our New Year and I knew that all I would have to do is find another Jew and I would have a place to go. So I did a search on Google for 'Jews in Shenzhen'. This opened the flood gate. I emailed a woman named Amy telling her about my situation. (Side note-Amy worked with Jeff's former classmate from J-school. Small world.) So even though Amy was not going to be in town for RH, she connected me to another group of Jews having dinner (and Jeff' friend from school). It was there, I met Aaron who introduced me to all the rest of my friends. In addition, I already have a place to go for Thanksgiving and after last night, Channukah.

What other culture opens its doors with out question?

China is, in general, a mono-cultural nation. There are minorities and other foreigners, but in general, it seems like 90% Han Chinese. One person told me yesterday that I was the first American girl he had ever seen. In this day and age, that struck me as sad or at least made me aware of how lucky I am to have come from my own melting pot country. When constantly feeling like an alien (hence the staring) or a perpetual outsider, nothing is more comforting than being surrounded by people who shared my culture and understand my native language. It is the only time in China where I feel like I fit in.

The beautiful evening lacked only one thing, my Jewish boyfriend (who I ended up calling).