Hong Kong is fast becoming a sought-after destination for Israeli tourists. Historically, the Far East was perceived as an exotic and costly choice for many Israelis due to lengthy and expensive flights with inconvenient connections in Europe. However, with the recent introduction of direct flights from Israel to Hong Kong, the city has become more accessible

Among the notable attractions in Hong Kong are Victoria Bay and Victoria Peak. For the most breathtaking views of Hong Kong Bay and the skyline, the Zim-Sha-Tsui promenade on Kowloon Island is unparalleled. From this vantage point, one can observe the majestic ships sailing in the bay

A highlight not to be missed is the Hong Kong Lights Show. Commencing every evening at 8 o'clock, this mesmerizing laser display illuminates the office buildings along the waterline with a dazzling array of colors and shapes for approximately ten minutes. While the show is visible from the Hong Kong Promenade, the optimal location is near the Clock Tower in Kowloon, where ferries depart for scenic cruises

Situated at the highest point above Hong Kong is the Victoria Peak building, offering observation posts providing panoramic views of the city and the bay—an essential stop for every tourist

For Jewish travelers, Hong Kong offers a unique experience. With five kosher restaurants, including four meaty options and one dairy, and a kosher supermarket importing products from Israel, the city caters to specific dietary needs. Additionally, Hong Kong boasts four active synagogues with daily Minyan and Shabbat services that include Kiddush after Musaf

The Jewish community in Hong Kong, numbering around 6,000 members, distinguishes itself by its transient nature. Primarily comprised of Israelis, Americans, and Australians on temporary assignments, this community contrasts with traditional settled communities. Only a few community members were born in the city, and have lived there all their lives. The majority are transients with no roots in the city. They are mostly Israelis, Americans and Australians who came to work in Hong Kong for several years, and after fulfilling their assignments, they leave Hong Kong

The esteemed Jewish families Kadouri and Sasson, who relocated from Iraq over 150 years ago, are integral to Hong Kong's economic history, being referred to by locals as "the Rothschilds of Asia." Today, these families hold significant stakes in the electricity company, several banks, and numerous real estate assets

David Sasson & Sons 1857

The former head of the community, Sir Yaakov David Sasson, was a student of Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, known as the "Ben Ish Chai". In the last century, he moved his business to India, and later expanded his business to Hong Kong. The "Ben Ish Chai" instructed his wealthy students to build a synagogue wherever there are Jews and no place of worship. Therefore, about 120 years ago Sasson built the "Ohel Leah" Synagogue in Hong Kong which is active to this day

One of the most important Jews in Hong Kong history was the British high commissioner, Sir Matthew Nathan, who was sent to Hong Kong by the British Colonial Office at the turn of the last century. He was a Sabbath-observant Jew who promoted the economy of Hong Kong, and also paved roads and railways connecting Hong Kong with central China. Nowadays the main street in Kowloon is on this route and is called "Nathan Road" after Sir Nathan. He also served as president of the Ohel Leah Synagogue

The Chinese in Hong Kong are proud of the fact that they saved Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. I checked and found out that this is inaccurate. The one who actually did this was Mr. David Kadouri, the owner of the huge Peninsula Hotel, which belongs to his family to this day. He opened the hotel rooms free of charge to Jewish refugees who managed to escape the Holocaust. The locals who boast about rescuing the Jews did not play an active role, but merely refrained from interfering

In Happy Valley, a Jewish cemetery and a local Chevra Kadisha society showcase the city's diverse cultural heritage. The cemetery, dating back to 1857, features approximately 350 gravestones in various languages

Each November, Hong Kong hosts a Jewish film festival, drawing both Jewish and non-Jewish attendees. The city currently houses four synagogues, each offering kosher food and groceries, with daily Minyan services available in the following places

אוהל לאה Leah Ohel

Established in 1902, the venerable Ohel Leah Synagogue stands as Hong Kong's oldest and largest synagogue. Generously donated by Sir Jacob David Sasson in honor of his mother, the synagogue is part of a complex that includes a school and the JCC (Jewish Community Center).      i

During the dark days of the Japanese occupation in World War II, the synagogue faced desecration, serving as a stable for the Japanese army. Over the years, Ohel Leah has undergone meticulous restoration, now hosting Sephardic-style prayer services

Decades ago, amidst a surge in land value, a pivotal decision faced the community. The Kadouri family proposed selling the land for residential towers, sparking internal debate. There were people in the community who opposed the demolition of the synagogue. "Money is not the most important thing in life" declared one of the founder's grandchildren. Ultimately, a compromise was reached: while the synagogue would be preserved, the adjacent community center would be demolished, its land sold. A collaborative deal with a contractor ensued, allocating the first five floors of a skyscraper to be built on the JCC lot to the Jewish Community Center

Approximately a hundred worshippers gather every Saturday, led by Rabbi Asher Ozer, fostering a unified community that transcends Ashkenazi-Sephardic distinctions. Israeli teachers on a mission in Hong Kong, a branch of Bnei Akiva, and a Mikveh in the synagogue's backyard contribute to its vibrant atmosphere

Adjacent to Ohel Leah, a kosher dairy restaurant on the ground floor and a meat restaurant on the first floor cater to culinary needs. A kosher supermarket on the parking level, reminiscent of those in Israeli moshavim, imports items from Israel, featuring Hebrew-labeled products

The kosher supermarket is on the parking level

Most items are imported from Israel and have Hebrew labels. It is worth noting that Hong Kong law prohibits shechita slaughtering, so all kosher meat is imported

Above the supermarket there is a nice wedding hall, classrooms, and youth club of Bney Akiva and Maccabi sport club. There is also very modern equipped gym

The neighborhood's allure for Jews is evident, with many relocating for proximity to the JCC, the synagogue, kindergarten, and Carmel School, accommodating around 250 students

Address: 70 Robinson Rd

בית חב"ד הונג קונג  Chabad House

A short distance away lies the Chabad House of the Mid Levels, an uphill residential area. Since 1985, Rabbi Mordechai Avtzon has been the driving force behind Chabad's presence in China, inaugurating the first Chabad House in Asia. Initially operating in hotel halls, they eventually secured the current building 12 years ago, named "LIFE" (Lubavitch In the Far East).      i

Weekdays witness a small minyan for morning Shacharit prayers, while Sabbath services draw 70 to 100 worshippers, including a substantial Israeli contingent engaged in high-tech and diamond trading. Rabbi Avtzon, the founder of the Carmel Jewish School, recently introduced "YP," a membership club addressing assimilation concerns, akin to a youth movement called Young Professionals

Address: Macdonnell Road 7-9 Hoover Court, 1st Floor

בית חב"ד קאולון 

Chabad of Kowloon – A Spiritual Oasis Across Victoria Bay

On the picturesque island of Kowloon, nestled in the Zim-Sha-Tsui neighborhood, two synagogues thrive. Chabad House, helmed by Rabbi Yisrael Lieberman, hosts daily minyanim, especially bustling during international events like the jewelry fair. During my visit to Hong Kong there was an international jewelry fair that Jews from Israel and all over the world visited. In those days, there were two minyanim of morning prayers, at 7:15 and at 8 o'clock

Morning prayers at Chabad House are followed by a delectable breakfast, surpassing even 5-star hotel offerings. While breakfast is complimentary, visitors are encouraged to contribute a donation, with a suggested amount of HK$ 100 (approximately NIS 50).        i

Rabbi Lieberman imparts regular lessons in Gemara, the weekly Parsha, and Tanya, impacting individuals who have embraced Teshuva under his guidance

Address: 67-71 Chatham Rd (first floor to the right of the elevators).         i

Kehilat Zion Congregation

Nurturing Jewish Life in Hong Kong

Nestled in the vibrant Zim-Sha-Tsui neighborhood, the Kehilat Zion Congregation is a thriving Jewish community under the leadership of Rabbi Nathanel Meoded, Hong Kong's Sephardic chief rabbi and "Av Beit Din" of Hong Kong. This Sephardic synagogue was established in 1995 by affluent Syrian Jewish businessmen who previously prayed in the Ashkenazi Synagogue

One of the main donors was Mr. Max Abadi, who named the synagogue "Heichal Ezra" after his father. The first leader of the Sephardic community was Rabbi Shlomo Katzin, a well-known rabbi in Israel nowadays. The current leading rabbi is Nathanel Meoded

The synagogue hosts three daily prayer services with a minyan, and adjacent to it lies the kosher chef's restaurant "Mul HaYam" (opposite the sea), serving a hearty breakfast post-Shacharit. On weekdays, around 25 worshippers attend, while during international exhibitions, approximately 300 guests join the vibrant Sabbath dinners of "Kehilat Zion," renowned for their delicious but pricier meals (HK $150 per dish).       i

In a bid to promote Torah study, the community houses a small yeshiva with 20-30 students (avrechim), mostly from Israel, studying for six months to a year. I was privileged to hike on Mount Victoria with some of those pleasant yeshiva boys. I call these boys, "TalmideyHon Kong"    i

Rabbi Meoded, the Rosh Yeshiva, delves into the study of Jewish laws and Halacha concerning Jewish people in China and Asia, publishing ten SHOO"T books of responsa addressing region-specific questions and dilemmas. These include intriguing queries like the permissibility of buying a residential apartment that does not conform to Feng Shui standards, Like, for example, I found in the book an interesting question of someone in conversion proceedings, who owns a successful factory of Buddha statues. He asks the rabbi whether he is allowed by Halacha to sell the factory to his sister, who does not intend to convert to Judaism, and whether would he be allowed to enjoy the profits from "Avoda Zara" after he becomes a Jew?         i

       

Fascinating dilemmas and books. From these responsa books we learn what troubles Jews in this part of the world, and how much they fear curses because of walls built in one angle or another. I wished I had more time to study them

Address: 62 Mody Rd., Wing On Plaza

Until last summer, another Jewish community, "Shuva Israel," operated in Hong Kong with an active synagogue and a hostel for young Israeli residents. The reason for its closure remains unclear. Additionally, a Chabad House on Lantau Island ceased operations for unspecified reasons

Despite opportunities to preserve Jewish heritage, Hong Kong faces a high assimilation rate. Chabad rabbis express concern, noting that a significant portion of former Israelis, educated secularly, exhibit little interest in Jewish traditions. Assimilation rates among this group reportedly surpass 90%

 Useful tips for independent tourists in Hong Kong

Currency Exchange: 1 Hong Kong dollar is worth less than half an Israeli shekel, with approximately HK$ 2.20 equating to 1 Israeli shekel. The HK$ is valued at 13 US cents, and the US dollar is nearly 8 HK$. Exchange rates fluctuate slightly each day

Touring Hong Kong: Commence your exploration with a two-story tourist bus offering a comprehensive two-hour tour of significant sites, complete with English explanations via headphones. A one-day ticket costs around NIS 100, facilitating easy exploration and hop-on-hop-off opportunities

Free Walking Tours: Explore Hong Kong through free walking tours, easily found by searching "Free walking tours in Hong Kong" on Google

Octopus Card: Opt for an Octopus card for convenient payment on public transport, museum entry, and some supermarkets. Purchase it at train stations and 7/11 stores, starting with HK$ 150-200, with the option to recharge

Please note, children and senior citizens have a discounted Octopus card (green). All trips are half price, and there are free museums as well. I met friends who bought regular Octopus cards for their children as well, and they were just wasting their money

Shopping in Shenzhen: While Hong Kong is perceived as expensive, locals often make significant purchases in Shenzhen, an hour's train ride away. Ensure a valid passport and visa for China when crossing the border

Avoid July Visits: Steer clear of Hong Kong in July due to the onset of the monsoon season, marked by heavy rain and strong winds, impacting visibility and enjoyment

Embark on your Hong Kong journey well-prepared with these practical tips for an enriching experience