Unexpected Traces in Jewish Places: A Chinese Convert to Haredi Judaism Tells His Story

This week Shabbat, which starts at sundown tonight, leads directly into the Shavuot holiday, in which the giving of the Torah is celebrated for two days around the world and one day in Israel.

One of the most distinctive customs of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot is Tikkun Leil Shavuot, an evening-long study session held on the night of Shavuot. 

Tikkun means a “set order” of something and refers to the order in which the texts are read. The custom originated with the mystics of Safed in the 16th century, and today, many Jews stay up all night on Shavuot reading and studying a variety of sacred texts. Traditionally, readings from the Torah and Talmud are included. 

Many synagogues hold a Tikkun Leil Shavuot. Some host programs that go on all night, fueled by cheesecake, sushi, and other delicacies, culminating in morning services at sunrise. Other congregations gather for a few hours of study. Whether one is planning to attend an all-night session, study for a few hours, join with others, or study on one’s own, Shavuot is a wonderful time to encounter sacred text.

On Shavuot we read the Book of Ruth, which tells the story of how Ruth the Moabite converted to Judaism and became the great-grandmother of King David. This week we found an interesting and unusual modern story of a conversion to Judaism.

It happened in China, where a young man seeking the truth followed many paths until he came to the conclusion that Judaism was the true religion. In this video he tells his personal story of how he was exposed to secularism, Chinese Communism, and Christianity, only to discover the truth in Judaism. 

To be truly Jewish, he had to journey to Israel, where he now wears Haredi clothing, which are all made in China.

We'll be spending Shabbat and Shavuot with our children and grandchildren, so there won't be any Jewish Humor Central posts until Tuesday, when we'll return with another Joke to Start the Week.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach. 

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