Kehillat Beijing 一赐乐业犹太社团

While the first members of Beijing’s Jewish community arrived here as early as the 1930s and 1940s, the history of Kehillat Beijing dates back to 1979, the year Deng Xiaoping’s “Open Door” policy went into effect. In those early days, the members of the community were primarily North American businesspeople, journalists, diplomats, and students, and efforts focused on getting together for Passover and the High Holy Days, which were usually celebrated at the homes of members. The community’s first seder took place in 1980.

Today, Kehillat Beijing continues to host a vibrant and robust community, with weekly lay-led Shabbat services and communal dinner, and holiday celebrations throughout the year. We have traditions such as our annual retreats and purim spiel, often host bar and bat mitzvahs, and are active participants in Limmud China.