Friday 7/3 – Thursday 7/9
Legend has it the 500 Jews who settled in Kaifeng, China, in the tenth century came from Turkey, where they had encountered the same anti-Semitism that made their ancestors flee so many other countries. In Kaifeng, then the capital of China, they met with unusual tolerance and were even given Chinese surnames by the emperor, who encouraged them to preserve their customs. According to scholar Xu Xin in his book Legends of the Chinese Jews of Kaifeng, the greatest threat to their culture was assimilation. Tonight Xu, president of the China Judaic Studies Association, will discuss Judaism Through Chinese Eyes at 7 at Ezra-Habonim, Niles Township Jewish Congregation, 4500 Dempster in Skokie. It’s free. Call 847-675-4141 for more.
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8 WEDNESDAY While Congress debates whether to lift our country’s 38-year-old blockade on food and medicine to Cuba, the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization/Pastors for Peace is putting together its eighth Friendshipment Caravan. Buses from the caravan will hit 14 U.S. cities (and many in other countries) in an effort to collect books, funds, and medical supplies for children and the elderly–the two groups hit hardest by the policy. One will stop in Chicago today to raise money; the group plans to deliver the goods to Cuban churches and other nongovernmental agencies on July 23. Tonight’s fund-raiser will include music, dancing, food, and a raffle. It’s at Bethany United Methodist Church, 1607 W. Winnemac. It’s free to attend; call 773-271-4817 to find out more.
