Signs of the Mashiach: Chinese Jews Returning and the Story of the Mashiach Cat |
Chinese Jews, the revival of the Kanaani cat, and the quiet signs of redemption
Signs of the Mashiach: From the Land of Sinim to the Kanaani Cat
The history of the Jewish people stretches far beyond the familiar geography of the Middle East and Europe. Traces of Israel can be found in the most unexpected corners of the world.
In the city of Kaifeng, a Jewish community existed for many centuries. Today their descendants look Chinese, speak Chinese, and live fully within Chinese culture. Yet in some families the memory has remained that their ancestors were part of the people of Israel.
In recent decades, some of them have begun returning to their roots. They study Torah, learn Hebrew, and move to Israel.
For many rabbis, this brings to mind the words of the prophet Isaiah:
“Behold, these shall come from afar…
and these from the north and from the west,
and these from the land of Sinim.”
(Book of Isaiah 49:12)
The word Sinim remains mysterious. Some commentators suggest it refers to distant eastern lands. For that reason, the return of descendants of Chinese Jews can sound like a striking echo of an ancient prophecy.
Modern Israel is often described with the Hebrew word Tekuma — renewal or rebirth.
This word is frequently used by Benjamin........