The Forgotten Jews of China: Zhao Yingcheng’s Remarkable Story

Throughout centuries of Jewish life in the Diaspora, Jews developed a remarkable ability to rise to positions of influence wherever they settled. From Mordechai in ancient Persia to well known European figures such as Sir Moses Montefiore, Jewish leaders often played important roles in the societies around them.

Less widely known is that Jews also reached positions of influence in the Far East. One fascinating example is Zhao Yingcheng, a Jew who rose to become a senior official in imperial China.

The Jews of Kaifeng

Many people are surprised to learn that Jewish communities existed in China for many centuries. Historical records indicate that Jewish merchants likely arrived during the Tang dynasty in the eighth century, traveling along the Silk Road from regions such as Persia or Iraq.

These Jewish settlers established themselves in the city of Kaifeng, which was then the imperial capital. Over time they built an organized and thriving community that included a synagogue, institutions for Torah study, and independent religious leadership.

For generations, the Jews of Kaifeng preserved a distinct Jewish identity. They maintained Hebrew names, observed kashrut, kept Shabbat, and wrote Sifrei Torah. Their neighbors recognized their unique practices. The Chinese referred to them as followers of the "religion that removes the sinew" or as people who refrained from eating pork, reflecting their reputation as moral and upright citizens.

A Brilliant Young Scholar

In 1610, Zhao Yingcheng was born into the Jewish community of Kaifeng. His family was wealthy and respected, and from an early age he showed unusual intelligence and talent.

Many members of the community worked in trade or crafts, as Jews often did in many parts of the world. Zhao chose a different path. He devoted himself to the study of classical Chinese literature, a field that was rarely open to members of religious minorities.

The path he chose required extraordinary dedication. Confucian scholarship formed the foundation of China’s political and social system. Mastering the classical texts demanded years of intense study and preparation.

Zhao invested enormous effort in learning classical Chinese, writing poetry and philosophical works, and preparing for the imperial civil service examinations. These exams were famously difficult and were the primary path into government service.

Rising Through the Imperial System

Zhao Yingcheng did more than pass the examinations. He excelled in them.

This achievement was especially remarkable for a member of a small religious minority whose culture and traditions were so different from the surrounding society. His success earned him recognition and eventually important appointments within the imperial administration.

In time, Zhao Yingcheng was appointed governor of the Ningbo region, one of the important areas of the Chinese empire. In this role he oversaw government administration, public order, and the fair application of justice.

Despite his high position, Zhao never forgot his Jewish roots or his community. He used his influence to protect local Jews from mistreatment by corrupt officials, a danger that religious minorities often faced.

Protecting the Jewish Community

Zhao Yingcheng remained deeply connected to the Jewish community of Kaifeng.

When severe flooding struck the region and caused extensive damage, Zhao helped lead the recovery efforts. He contributed his own funds to restore the Kaifeng synagogue and helped reorganize the community's institutions.

He also worked to ensure the restoration of Sifrei Torah that had been damaged by the disaster.

Nineteenth century official documents record that Zhao helped recover Sifrei Torah that had been temporarily held by Chinese authorities, ensuring that they were returned to what the records called "the House of Israel in Kaifeng."

The Disappearance of Chinese Jewry

Sadly, the Jewish community of Kaifeng did not survive into modern times.

The great distance from other Jewish centers made it difficult to maintain strong connections with the wider Jewish world. Over the generations, intermarriage and cultural pressures gradually weakened the community's distinct identity.

Eventually the Kaifeng Jewish community was largely absorbed into the surrounding society.

Yet the story of Zhao Yingcheng remains a powerful reminder that Jewish life once flourished even in the distant reaches of China, and that Jews carried their faith and identity wherever history brought them.