Riches from the East

In 1968 Rabbi Marvin Tokayer arrived in Tokyo to serve as rabbi. He found himself in the midst of a highly unusual congregation. While not Japanese by race most of his flock were descendants of families that had lived in Japan or China for three generations (Photos: Amir Levy)

Writer Leo Rosten tells the story of a Jewish businessman who travels to Tokyo. Friday night comes and he manages to find a shul but when he walks in to his surprise the rabbi and the entire congregation are Japanese.

But the tefillah is letter-perfect so afterward he seeks out the rabbi. “It’s such a pleasure to find a minyan so far from home and meet so many fellow Jews!” he tells him.

The Japanese rabbi looks at him dubiously. “You’re Jewish?” he asks.