Dating back to the mid-19th century, the Jewish community of Hong Kong traces its roots to the former British colony’s economy. Commercial interests with South China brought Jewish merchants to the area in the 1840s and the first synagogue was established in 1901.
Today, Hong Kong’s Jewish community consists of 2,500 people, most of whom are foreign-born Jews attracted to the area for its economic opportunities. The community is represented by the United Jewish Congregation of Hong Kong, while the Jewish Community Center (JCC offers a variety of communal activities and cultural and academic programs. Hong Kong’s Jewish community is diverse, with Modern Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative denominations represented.
February 18, 2019