Chinese-Jewish Conversations
文献-英文版
Reading anew: What We Can Learn from Chinese-Jewish Comparisons
Author: Aryeh Amihay, Shanghai Normal University
Chinese and Jewish traditions, both ancient and complex, reveal parallels and contrasts that shed light on how different cultures address ethics, ritual, and social structure. Aryeh Amihay, an American-educated Israeli professor teaching at Shanghai Normal University, draws upon personal experiences in China and Israel to explore Confucian values of harmony (he) and ritual (li), which serve as guides for balanced living, alongside the Jewish halakhah (religious law), with its emphasis on distinctions—between sacred and profane, permitted and forbidden. Confucianism seeks equilibrium within opposites; Judaism emphasizes clear boundaries. Yet both see ritual as a pathway to shaping upright behavior and thus reflect profoundly on human imperfection and the aspiration toward moral balance.
On my Journey Studying the Talmud in China
Author: Zhanya Xiang, Shanghai
Translated and annotated by Borong Zhang
In China, Talmud might seem like an unusual subject of study. However, for me, exploring ancient Hebrew classics offers a meaningful way to connect ancient texts with contemporary discourse. My name is Zhanya Xiang, and I am currently a graduate student in the Department of Religious Studies at the School of Philosophy, Fudan University. I completed my undergraduate studies in philosophy at Sun Yat-sen University.
In this article, I’d like to share my experience studying the Talmud—a journey that has been both challenging and fascinating. I approached the text through the lens of literary criticism, employing techniques such as close reading, while drawing on my personal learning experiences and a cross-cultural perspective. This perspective integrates the Talmud’s rich cultural and historical context with my academic background in Chinese philosophy. This multifaceted approach has not only deepened my understanding of the Talmud but also broadened my appreciation for the dialogue between diverse traditions and intellectual frameworks.
