China and Judaism

GAMBIER, Ohio (November 9, 2010)

The leading Chinese scholar of Chinese Judaism visits Kenyon on Monday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss Chinese interest in Jewish culture.

Professor of Philosophy Xu Xin of Nanjing University will discuss "Why are the Chinese so interested in the Jews?" in the Higley Hall Auditorium. Xu is director of the Institute of Jewish Studies at the university in Nanjing, China.

Judaism dates to at least the 9^th century in China. "Most Chinese people are fascinated by the Jews and how they survived, were revived, and have achieved so much in modern times even though they have been persecuted throughout the ages," Xu said. "The image of the Jews in the Chinese mind ... remains a mirror for the Chinese to judge or construct themselves and a model for them to learn a way of modernization without losing their traditions."

Xu's visit is sponsored by the Asian Studies Program and the Department of Religious Studies. The public is encouraged to attend this free event. To learn more, call Joseph Adler, professor of Asian studies, at 740-427-5290.