The Jews of Thailand
Having been involved with Thailand and its Jewish community for forty-five years, I found the article "Rubies, Sapphires, and . . . Jews: Mining Precious Gems in Thailand" (Sept.) both interesting and dismaying.
Given its focus, the article could better have been titled "The Beneficent Presence of Chabad in Thailand." I heartily agree that Chabad has done much good there, especially among young people, mostly Israelis, who succumb to the many available temptations. Rabbi Nechamia Wilhelm and his young colleagues are to be admired for their zealous efforts. And Rabbi Yosef Kantor has been a great success as the rabbi of the Bangkok Jewish community. I like him very much. He has had me to his home, and during my last stays in Thailand, I have attended his instructive shi'urim every Shabbat. Impressively, even the Ashkenazic Jews of the older community, who are not by and large very observant, find his warmth and sincerity appealing.
What bothers me, then? The article gives the impression that before Rabbi Kantor and Chabad, there was no Jewish life to speak of in Thailand. In truth, from the end of the 19th century, small numbers of Ashkenazic Jews from Eastern Europe began settling there. When my wife and I arrived there in 1953 for a first stint of two and a half years, we found a rather active Jewish Association of Thailand in existence. To the Ashkenazic base were added two families from the Middle East, who became very active in Jewish affairs, particularly in encouraging religious services and observances.
In later visits I discovered the growing presence of Jewish gem dealers in Bangkok — most of them transient, a few of them permanent residents — who had organized their own minyan because as shomrei Shabbat they could not ride from where they stayed or lived across the city to Beth Elisheva, the synagogue at the Jewish Association's building. This is what gave rise to the Even Chen Synagogue. These gem dealers are mostly Persian Jews stemming from Iran, India, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Tadjikistan.
And so, long before the coming of Chabad and its benefits, there was a significant Jewish presence in Bangkok.
I also deplore the very negative picture the author gives of the Thai people. The regrettable sex industry, which has mainly flourished from the money of foreign customers, is hardly typical of Thai life. And these friendly, welcoming people have long provided a safe haven for Jews seeking asylum from oppression and danger.
Arthur S. Abramson
Mansfield, CT
(received via e-mail)
In your article on the Jews of Thailand, there is a picture of two men wearing tefillin. One of the two is not properly dressed. Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor should have realized that part of performing a mitzvah is being dressed properly.
Aliza Bensalmon
Toronto, Canada
(received via e-mail)
Editor's Reply: The window of opportunity to help a fellow Jew perform a mitzvah is often small; sometimes he is only available for a minute or two, and the kiruv professional must sieze the moment. A person performing a mitzvah must be dressed to satisfy the minimum requirements of Jewish law. You are correct that the man in the photo was not dressed ideally, but he was sufficiently attired to don tefillin and fulfill the mitzvah.
Enjoyable Autumn
I want to let you know how much I enjoyed "Renewal in Autumn," by Avraham M. Goldstein (Sept.). I was preparing to teach the debate between Rabbi Eliezer and Rabbi Joshua on the creation of the world for Rosh Hashanah this year. Your insightful piece was very helpful in my preparation. Thank you.
Rabbi Michael M. Cohen
Israel Congregation
Manchester Center, VT
The article "Travel Time" (Sept.) stated that "canned fruits produced in the U.S. with no additives other than sugar" may be purchased without kosher certification. Please note that canned cherries may contain carmine, an insect extract used for coloring. Do not buy canned cherries (these may also be found in fruit cocktail) without reliable supervision. In addition, canned plums may contain a coloring derived from grape skin.
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