Yo, Yenta!
I am an Asian Jew and I am new to Jmerica. Are there a lot of Asian Jews around?

-The Tan Man, Miami Beach, FL

Yo, Tan Man! : Welcome to the flock. You are most likely Jmerica’s first Asian member, and right now if I added up all the Asian Jews I know personally I wouldn’t have enough for a game of Old Maid. I suspect that except for members of your family, you don’t know any either. You may have had a lonely time of it through childhood, thinking that yours was the only family on the block who ate brisket with chopsticks. I’m sure you’re pretty sick of hearing “funny, you don’t look Jewish.”

We should all know by now that Jews have thrived on every continent of the world. The world statistics say that 38% of the world’s Jewish population lives in Asia, which includes parts of Russia and all the “stan” countries (Kazakhstan, Tajikstan, etc.) There hasn’t been a comprehensive history book of the Jews of the Far East, but there is documentation that a group settled in China in 620C.E. In fact, researchers are looking for information about Asian Jews; I’m sure they would be delighted to hear from you. This would certainly be good way to find other Asian American Jews. But if you’re looking to form a minyan this minute, it might be a problem.

Your letter doesn’t specify just which part of big ol’ Asia you idenitfy with, and it would be interesting to know more about you and your Jewish heritage. Perhaps you are descendant of one of the lost tribes or a Jew by mixed marriage. Whatever the case, you’d be a great hit at anyone’s Shabbat dinner party because you bring something new to the table. Share your unique history with your community and don’t concern yourself about how you’re different from the other Jews at your synagogue and JCC, but what you share in common.

Now, can you get me a recipe for matzah ball hot and sour soup?