In 1923, 40% of the proceeds from the sale of the Beth Israel synagogue in Nagasaki went to organizations helping Jews settle the Land of Israel. Thirty years later, Minister of Israel in Japan Joseph Linton went on a real estate tour of Tokyo for the new Israeli Legation. He wrote in the JCC’s 5718/1957-1958 Yearbook that although “it was not easy to find unoccupied buildings in 1953”, he came across a house recently vacated by an American General. Deeming the house unnecessarily spacious for the needs of the legation, Minister Linton introduced the idea of acquiring it as a community center and synagogue. 70 years later, we are still here.
There is no separating the story of Japan’s Jewish community and Israel. Our JCC has hosted Prime Ministers Moshe Sharett, Golda Meir and Shimon Peres, Moshe Dayan, every Israeli ambassador and countless diplomatic staff. Japan’s Jewish community and Israel share an ironclad bond forged through decades of working together arm-in-arm. Minister Linton wrote in his column titled The Community and Israel, “I have been given much encouragement and have always found a ready desire to help the cause of Israel in good times and bad times.” Unfortunately, we are now living through a period of bad times, tragic times the Minister referenced.
In less than one week since Hamas infiltrated Israel committing unspeakably horrific acts of terror, our community participated in a rally next to Shibuya Crossing on Wednesday and hosted a briefing by the Israeli Embassy at the JCC on Thursday. Donations to support Israel have come in from across Japan, well beyond the residents of the Tokyo Metropolitan area. As Ambassador Gilad Cohen has shared in Japanese media multiple times throughout the week, though our hearts are broken, our resolve could not be stronger. Please pray for the safe return of the captives to their families and the remains of those who perished to be buried in Israel.
Services
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, October 13th
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner by reservation: 7:00pm
Shabbat Beresheet
Kiddush is sponsored, at this time of crisis in Israel, in memory of Rachel Walzer’s father Moshe (Marcy) Goldwasser. Marcy moved his family to Israel in the 1960’s – the 6 Day War was a pivotal event in his life. He was a lover of Clal Yisrael, as well as all people of all nations and walks of life. Marcy was ever an optimist and a believer in peace.
Services: 10:00am
Kiddush: 12:00pm
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, October 20th
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner by reservation: 7:00pm
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, October 27th
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner by reservation: 7:00pm
Shabbat Lech Lecha
Bar Mitzvah of Kenny Schamisso
Saturday, October 28th
Services: 10:00am
Kiddush Luncheon: 12:30pm
All are welcome. Please RSVP via our website.
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, November 3rd
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner by reservation: 7:00pm
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, November 10th
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner by reservation: 7:00pm
Shabbat Chayei Sarah
Kiddush open for sponsorship
Saturday, November 11th
Services: 10:00am
Kiddush: 12:00pm
Events
Masha the Rich Man
“Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours” are the wise words of Sir Elton John. Join us for a performance by Ukranian-born, Berlin-based folk-pop singer Maria Raykhman for an opportunity to bring us together in unity and provide healing at this time when we need it more than ever.
About Maria Raykhman aka “Masha the Rich Man”
Through her melancholic folk-pop, the artist creates a timeless parallel world that welcomes listeners into a state of loneliness. Masha’s lyrics are about world-weariness, dreams, formative memories and at the same time mark the beginning of her self-healing. More info and recordings here.
Thursday, October 19th 7:30pm at the JCC
Registration Details
JCJ Platinum 70th Anniversary
Saturday, November 11th 6:30pm at the JCC
Couvert: 15,000 yen
Registration Details
If you have an idea for an event or a topic you would like to share with others, please visit our website.
Announcements
Amidst the heartbreaking news from Israel, our 70th anniversary celebration at the JCC will proceed. We believe it’s crucial to honor our enduring commitment to Judaism and showcase our solidarity with Israel. While we’ll maintain the event’s essence, we’ll incorporate uplifting Israeli music and look to gather donations during the event so that we can send funds to support emergency services for victims in Israel. Whether or not to make a donation will be will be up to each attendee, but we hope to make a substantial contribution. Please sign up soon! And feel free to invite non-member friends to join us in this meaningful celebration.
Please see Japanese coverage of Wednesday’s rally on YouTube.
Yiddish Club with Jack Halpern: Please contact Jack at jack@cjki.org if you are interested to join. All levels are welcome, from beginner to advanced. Much more than just language, the club’s monthly meetings explore Yiddish culture as well.
Shabbat Beresheet
Candle Lighting: 4:51pm
Havdala: 5:46pm