Jews, Chinese share similar traits, speaker tells audience in Boardman

Staff report

BOARDMAN

When many people think of Jewish history, it’s probably safe to say that tragic images of men, women and children being tortured and killed in concentration camps during World War II spring to mind.

But Jews also have a much-brighter history that goes back more than 1,000 years, a cantor, musician and expert on Jewish-Chinese history contends.

“Jews came to China in the eighth or ninth century,” settling in Kaifeng mainly as traders and merchants, Robyn Helzner pointed out during a speech and musical presentation she gave Sunday at Temple Ohev Tzedek, 5245 Glenwood Ave.

During the three-hour dinner and program, “Kreplach & Dim Sum – Yes, There are Jews in China!” Helzner discussed many similarities between Jewish and Chinese people, who she noted share a long history, a rich culture, a high value on education and a strong reverence for their ancestors.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.