The settlement of the Jewish community in Hong
Kong dates from the 1840s and comprises families drawn from various
parts of the world. There are three main synagogues — Ohel
Leah Synagogue (Orthodox) providing daily, Sabbath and festival
services, the United Jewish Congregation of Hong Kong (Reform) with
Sabbath and festival services, both of which share the same premises
in Robinson Road; and the Chabad Lubavitch, which has daily services,
in Garden Road. All fulfil an important role in the religious, cultural
and social life of the Jewish people in Hong Kong.
The Ohel Leah Synagogue was built in 1901 on land
given by Sir Jacob Sassoon and his family and includes a mikvah
(ritual bath). There is also a Jewish Cemetery, built in 1857 in
Shan Kwong Road, Happy Valley.
The site adjoining the Ohel Leah Synagogue, which
contains a residential complex, also houses the Jewish Community
Centre, serving all three congregations. The centre offers its 600
member families supervised kosher dining and banquet, cultural and
recreational facilities, a wide range of activities and classes,
and a specialist library covering all aspects of Judaica. The centre
functions as the focal point of social and cultural life for the
community.
The community also operates the Carmel School
and other supplementary religious educational classes. There are
several charity organisations and cultural societies, including
the Jewish Women's Association, United Israel Appeal, Israeli Chamber
of Commerce, and Jewish Historical Society, which all combine to
create a vibrant Jewish community in Hong Kong.
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