A one-time Jewish presence in China, notably...

A one-time Jewish presence in China, notably in Shanghai, will be relived this Passover season in a visit mixed with nostalgic and business motives.

Rabbi Abner Weiss of Beverly Hills’ Beth Jacob Congregation was recently in China to finish arrangements to serve kosher food at the upcoming International Assembly of Jews in China, to be held April 18-23.

Organizers of the event say it indicates that the Chinese government’s desire to attract international investment and business from Jewish communities. Yosef Tekoah, former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations and a one-time Shanghai resident, said the return trip will be “a tangible restatement of our faith in Jewish survival and our friendship toward China.”

Considering that China does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, the event is “a welcome development,” Weiss said.

The first modern Jewish settlement in the country was in Shanghai in the 19th Century, mostly by Iraqi Jews seeking new business opportunities. The Jewish population in the city swelled to more than 20,000 during the pre-World War II flight of refugees from Europe.

Buildings once important to the Jewish settlement will be identified by signs during the visit. The group will also visit Beijing.

PEOPLE

The Rev. Stanley E. Olson, the last Los Angeles-based bishop of the old Lutheran Church in America, has accepted the pastorate of Grace Lutheran Church in Santa Barbara. The church is a 350-member congregation of the new Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Olson was not elected a bishop when the Lutheran Church in America merged with two other denominations in 1987. Olson will be installed as pastor March 12.

DATES

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