Asian Jewish Life

As someone who has done a couple of tours in Japan, I can attest that “local” Jewish culture is hard to find in the Far East. I had some pleasant experiences with on-base communities, but I never did find a kosher restaraunt or local synagogue in town.

It turns out that this isn’t the case everywhere. There are thriving Jewish communities, both big and small, throughout Asia and one magazine is attempting to offer an outlet for this culture. Asian Jewish Life is a “contemporary journal of Jewish Diaspora life throughout Asia.”

The magazine focuses on Jewish art, cultural events, non-fiction, history, diversity, education, spirituality, politics, Israel and literature. Each issue will include a Best of Asian Jewish Life section, which will highlight the achievements of a Jewish not-for-profit working towards bettering life in the region. Original poetry and fiction is also featured.

The magazine is distributed for free across Asia in China, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam via designated drop points as well as to private residences through a growing direct mailing list.

What does any of this have to do with Jews in the military? For one, we have a large military presence throughout Asia and this is an excellent opportunity to connect with other Jews in the region. Secondly, the editor-in-chief of the magazine would love to hear from Jewish servicemembers.

In particular she is looking to “share stories from Jewish US servicemen with [her] readership as this is a truly unique perspective on the region and also a great way to be able to remind people of the commitment and sacrifices these individuals make.” If you are interested in contributing, you can contact Erica Lyons directly at and be sure to visit the magazine’s website at www.asianjewishlife.org.