Jewish Diaspora in Modern China

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/jews-in-china

Introduction

### Course Review: Jewish Diaspora in Modern China on Coursera The *Jewish Diaspora in Modern China* course offered on Coursera provides an in-depth exploration of the unique relationship between Judaism and Chinese society over the last thousand years. This course is a remarkable opportunity for anyone interested in cultural histories, migration patterns, or the intertwining of different societies. #### Overview Jewish history in China is fascinating and multi-faceted. With evidence of Jewish communities in China dating back to the Tang Dynasty, the course begins by contextualizing the broader historical narrative. While many are familiar with the Kaifeng Jewish community, the course takes students on an enlightening journey through various communities formed in modern times, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction** The course begins by laying a solid foundation, discussing the major historical issues concerning Jews in modern China. This introduction sets the tone, emphasizing the course's goal of mapping the Jewish experience in this unique socio-political environment. 2. **Background: Jews and China** This section dives into pre-modern Chinese society, contextualizing it within the broader historical phenomena such as Western imperialism and China's Open Door Policy. Students will examine key waves of Sephardic and Ashkenazi migration, which shaped the Jewish diaspora in China. 3. **The Jewish Community in Shanghai** Shanghai, as a focal point for Jewish life, is analyzed through its four diverse communities that emerged from the late 19th century onwards. The course highlights the rich cultural heritage and varied experiences of Sephardic Jews and European refugees during tumultuous times. 4. **The Jewish Community in Harbin** Students will explore Harbin's evolution into a modern city and how Jewish communal life flourished there, from political organization to cultural practices. The investigation sheds light on a vibrant yet often-overlooked chapter in Jewish history. 5. **The Jewish Community in Tianjin** Focusing on Tianjin, the course traces the growth and eventual decline of the Jewish community, accompanied by stories of notable Jewish figures who played a role in shaping the city’s identity. 6. **The Jewish Community in Hong Kong** Hong Kong’s unique geopolitical status creates a vivid canvas for studying Jewish history. The course delves into the community's resilience and contributions, marking it as distinct from other Jewish enclaves in China. 7. **Departure and Contributions** This module tackles the poignant topic of why approximately 40,000 Jews left China, analyzing the socio-economic impacts they made on Chinese society before their departure. 8. **History Renewed and Impact** Finally, the course discusses the re-establishment of Jewish communities in contemporary China, particularly in Beijing and Shanghai, after the 1980s. It also addresses how these communities have influenced Chinese academia and culture in the modern era. #### Recommendation I highly recommend the *Jewish Diaspora in Modern China* course for several reasons: - **Expert Insights**: The instructors provide rich, contextualized knowledge, drawing from scholarly research and historical accounts, ensuring that students develop a nuanced understanding of the subject. - **Engaging Content**: Each module is meticulously crafted to include a blend of historical narratives, individual stories, and broader societal impacts that keep learners engaged and curious. - **Culturally Enriching**: This course is a significant addition to global Jewish history studies and offers perspectives that contribute to a broader understanding of cultural diversity. - **Accessibility**: Being available on Coursera means that anyone with internet access can embark on this enlightening journey, making it suitable for students, educators, and history enthusiasts alike. In conclusion, the *Jewish Diaspora in Modern China* course is an enriching educational experience that adds depth to our understanding of Jewish history within the unique backdrop of modern China. Whether you are a scholar, a student, or merely curious about this fascinating intersection of cultures, this course is well worth your time.

Syllabus

Introduction

This course, "Jewish Diaspora in Modern China," will give you an understanding of the major issues related to the history of Jews in China in Modern times.

In this module, we will introduce pre-modern Chinese society, wars with Western Powers, and the Open Door Policy. We will also analyze major causes that brought Jews to China. In particular, we will focus on waves of migrating Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews to China, which mark the beginning of the history of the Jewish diaspora in modern China.

In this module, we will study four Jewish communities established in Shanghai from the second half of the 19th century to the mid-20th century, with a special focus on the Sephardic Jews and European Jewish refugees.

In this module, we will discuss Harbin as a newly established modern Chinese city. We will explore the Jewish communal life in the city from its leadership, various Zionist organizations, business, observance, and relations with adjacent Jewish communities in the region and in the country.

In this module, we will focus on the Jewish communal life in the port city of Tianjin, tracing its beginnings, development, and decline. We will also introduce some well-known Jewish individuals living in the city.

In this module, we will explore the special status of Hong Kong as a center of Jewish life in China. We will trace the ups and downs of Jewish life in the city and the unique roles the Hong Kong Jewish Community played in the city-- the only Jewish community with a sustained, uninterrupted history in China over the past 160 years.

In this module, we will analyze the factors that spurred the departure of about 40,000 Jews from China. We will also discuss their contributions-- economic and cultural-- on Chinese society today.

In this module, we will describe the re-establishment of Jewish communities in contemporary Chinese society, especially in Beijing and Shanghai, following the adoption of China's open-door policies and economic reforms in the 1980s. We will also discuss the impact of the re-establishment of Jewish communities on Chinese academia.