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Taiwan to open first-ever Jewish community center

July 28, 2021 - from the i24:

"Taiwan's Jewish community announced Wednesday that its first congregation center is expected to open by the end of the year."

"Construction of the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center in Taiwan began in 2020 and is expected to be completed by December 2021."

"The $16 million complex will include a synagogue with a capacity of over 100 seats, a mikvah or ritual bath, and Taiwan's first kosher restaurant."

"It will also include a banquet hall that can hold 300 people, a kindergarten and classrooms for adult education programs, a library, spaces for group and individual study, and a courtyard for students’ outdoor events."

"Until now, the Jewish community has operated mainly from two rented spaces in downtown Taipei - a Chabad movement house and a small office."

"Rabbi Shlomi Tabib arrived in Taipei with his wife and family in 2011 and opened a Sunday school religious program."

"According to community spokesperson Glenn Leibowitz, who has lived in Taiwan for 30 years, the island has around 700 to 800 Jews, half of whom are active members of the community involved in Shabbat meals and services, Jewish holidays, and other events."